All in all, it was a very good day for 450 students and over 50 volunteers at Newport Primary School on Wednesday as the school gym was turned into a shoe store.
Every student got a new pair of shoes, thanks to Samaritan Feet, an international foundation, who brought their program to Newport Primary. Tomorrow, Samaritan’s Feet will be in Bellvue and in Dayton on Friday. They’ll be back to Newport Intermediate on Monday.
A grand total of nearly 2000 new shoes will be given to every student in the public schools, pre-K through six grade.
“What an amazing experience as community volunteers came together to make a difference in the lives of children,” said Denise Blomberg of Samaritan’s Feet.
Sponsors for the shoe distribution in Kentucky are WalMart and the Calipari Foundation. Local sponsors are Southbank Partners, the Butler Foundation, the NKyTribune, AT&T, and Dennis Keene. Donations can be made to Southbank Partners at 425 York St., Newport, Ky. 41071.
See the NKyTribune’s earlier story about the project here.
The faces of the school’s children said it all — and spoke even louder than their good-mannered “Thank you’s” and comments heard throughout the event.
“This is the best day ever!” said one happy student.
“My mom will LOVE these shoes,” said another.
“Wow, they feel great!” said another.
The day in pictures:
Volunteers ready to go
New shoes and socks ready to go.
Denise Blomberg and Supt. Kelly Middleton talk about a very good day.
