14 July 2011

The Salvation Army and North Seattle Rotary have teamed up to collect new shoes for kids this summer. The campaign is underway and is expected to run for several months.

The initial goal is to collect 1,000 pairs of new shoes for kids by December 1, although the campaign and goal may continue beyond that date. "We've set an ambitious goal for the campaign, but see the need in our community every day," said North Seattle Rotary President Keith Dahlgren, Managing Director of Seattle Public Theater.  He added, "If the campaign goes well, we'd like to make it an ongoing project." The Shoes for Souls campaign began in late June at the annual North Seattle Block Party. In one day, more than 225 new pairs of shoes were donated.  

Ed Jefferson, chairperson of the North Seattle Rotary Community Service Committee, created the project. The former Seattle Elementary School Principal recognizes the need in the community. "Emergency situations happen to families more than others realize. Providing new shoes to kids is one way to give assistance to the families in our community," he said.

The North Seattle Rotary Club partnered with The Salvation Army Temple Corps in Greenwood for help with organization of the campaign, as well as storage and distribution of the shoes. Major David Harmon, Officer of the Temple Corps, was happy to lend support. "We are delighted to participate," said Major Harmon. "This project fits perfectly with our mission of helping the North Seattle community."

The campaign is collecting new shoes for boys and girls (age kindergarten through high school). Although all types of shoes are needed, athletic and school shoes are especially preferred. Drop off details are:

1. The Salvation Army Seattle Temple Corps - 9501 Greenwood Avenue; Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm.
2. Epic Life Church - 10510 Stone Avenue North; Tuesday - Friday, noon - 5pm, Wednesdays until 8pm.
3. Contact North Seattle Rotary Club via its website, www.NorthSeattle.Rotary5030.org, or call
206-852-8997, to arrange a pick up.
4. Financial donations can be made via check and mailed to: North Seattle Rotary Club, P.O. Box 75591, Seattle, WA, 98125-0591.

Distribution of the shoes is planned for Fall 2011, with exact date and details to be announced later. Families will be required to demonstrate need to qualify for the shoes. All shoes collected will be inventoried by The Salvation Army staff and will be distributed to needy families in the North Seattle community. State and Federal guidelines determine the level of income that qualifies a family for the program.