LOCK HAVEN — Interested in an easy, fun way to make a positive difference for local families? All you need to do is give a little time.
It’s pretty simple. Kids need shoes, and eligible kids and teens can get a free new pair at the Lock Haven Area Shoe Bank.
The Shoe Bank is open once a month, and volunteers are needed then. This is a chance to get in on the fun of fitting new shoes to young feet, from wee ones through teens up to age 18.
The Shoe Bank is an all-volunteer program. Weekly work sessions are held Thursday afternoons, and helping hands at these sessions would also be very welcome.
Anyone interested in finding out more is cordially invited to an open house at the Shoe Bank, inside Covenant United Methodist Church, 44 W. Main St., Lock Haven, on Thursday, Sept. 29, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. There is no obligation. This is just a chance to drop by and say hello. Masks are required, as they are on Shoe Bank days.
The evening will include a peek inside the “shoe room” where you can talk with current volunteers and see all the colorful shoes on their shelves.
The Shoe Bank is generally open the third Saturday of the month from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., by appointment. It gives kids and teens, from babies up to age 18, a free new pair of school-worthy shoes or sneakers, as well as a pair of new socks and at least one book to take home. Masks are required.
Volunteers may choose what they would like to do. On Shoe Bank day, they may register the families who come for shoes, or fit shoes to feet or be a general helper. Help is also welcome on Thursday afternoons, when new shoes, socks and any new books are processed and placed on shelves.
Other volunteer opportunities include getting the word out to the public, finding grants, reaching out to Lock Haven University students, visiting local service clubs like Rotary and Kiwanis and representing the Shoe Bank at special events.
The next Shoe Bank date is Saturday, Sept. 24. Interested families must live in Clinton County and have an active Compass app on their phone or a Compass letter. For an appointment, text or call 814-571-5324 (weekdays 7-9 p.m., please).
To find out more about the Shoe Bank, please drop by the open house, email lhasb@outlook.com, visit lockhavenshoebank.org, or find us on Facebook.
