Eager students lined up Dec. 10, ready to get their feet into a new pair of kicks at Bryan Elementary. Their old, worn shoes would be replaced just in time for Christmas, thanks to the Junior Woman’s Club and their annual shoe drive.
James Hardie partners to sponsor Bryan. But, it’s the club that spends all year to raise funds for happy feet at different schools.
“It’s nice,” President Stephanie Eisenbach said. “The kids get to go home with an early Christmas present. Some don’t want to even put them on, because they’re brand new, and they don’t want to get them dirty.”
Last year, the club was able to give 560 students shoes and socks at 14 area schools. This year, the number has increased to about 575. Because of a generous donation of socks, the club could use more money for shoes. The General Federation of Women’s Clubs of Florida gave the local club 1,100 pairs of socks at the annual convention in April.
Each school will receive about 50 to 60 shoes for students, who are chosen by by a guidance counselor. The club then fits each student for shoes and works with Payless to get discounts and purchase the shoes. The cost is about $10 to $15 per pair.
One by one, students are called out of glass to go to the multipurpose room. The space is buzzing with excitement. Some are shy to take their shoes off, while others can’t lace up their neon shoestrings fast enough.
This is the first year Melissa Grimes has been in charge of her own school, although she’s helped out before.
“I love it,” Grimes said. “It’s a very humbling experience. You definitely have a greater appreciation for what you have.”
Money raised from the Little Miss Plant City and the Florida Strawberry Festival’s Baby Parade fund this and other charities organized by the Woman’s Club. Last year, the club hosted its first golf tournament.
“It was a huge, huge, huge success,” Eisenbach said. “We want to do it again.”
James Hardie contributes to a plethora of other community projects throughout the year, as well, including building houses for those in need and adding alterations and features to homes for disabled veterans.
The club of 37 also organizes more projects throughout the year, including adopting a school. At the end of the year, the club donates a book to each student to promote reading over the summer.
But the shoe project is near and dear to many members’ hearts, who have young children, as well.
“The project is amazing,” Eisenbach said. “It’s one of the reasons I stayed in the club. It’s life-changing.”
Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.