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Kiwanis Club of the Ozark Empire donates more than 250 pairs of shoes to Watkins Elementary

Oct. 10, 2024

kiwanis donation

Since 1950, Kiwanis Club of Ozark Empire has donated more than 26,000 pairs of shoes to SPS students.

The Kiwanis continued their tradition of generosity by donating a new pair of shoes for every student at Watkins Elementary Oct. 9. 

shoes

"The gift of new shoes to all students brought us together as a community and gave students a sense of pride and confidence," said Joanna Brockwell, Watkins principal. "It gave us something to celebrate. Who doesn't like new shoes?"

As an international organization, Kiwanis is committed to meeting the needs of children. Local chapters of Kiwanis have supported the Springfield Council of PTAs Clothing Bank for years, operating a Shoe Bank for participating students. Each year, students who qualify for the PTA Clothing Bank can get a free, brand new pair of shoes each year.