“The right pair of shoes can change your life.” - Cinderella

 

As it turns out, Cinderella may have been onto something.

 

The Shoes That Fit program is an easy, uniquely personal way to provide seriously poor school children with shoes and other basic articles of school clothing. Often a tiny kindness can make an almost miraculous difference in a child’s life and that of her family. And for well over a decade now, St. Monica parishioners have been creating little miracles at St. Anthony elementary school in Oakland.

Principal Sister Barbara Flannery describes the situation this way:

 

“It was once again comforting to begin school knowing we could take care of our most needy families.

Shoes That Fit is always there to help us help others. Some of our parents are now entering Year Four without a steady job, so the Shoes That Fit program is now more helpful than ever. I was able to accept several new families with limited resources into the school, knowing they would not have to worry about uniforms.

I have spoken to you about Jorge before. He is a wonderful young man who depends on Shoes That Fit. On the first day of

school he arrived in last year’s uniform. He has grown so his pants don’t fit. He asked to see me after recess and wanted to

know if ‘that nice lady’ would buy him a pair of pants. I told him it could be a nice man, too, but I thought the person might be

willing. His whole body just seemed to relax. One less thing he has to worry about. Now he can be about learning. Thank

you!

Please be assured we remember all our Shoes That Fit donors and their generosity every Wednesday at Mass when we pray

for our benefactors.”

Sister Barbara Flannery

Principal, St, Anthony School

 

Over the years we’ve received countless comments from St. Anthony teachers, staff and parents about the positive emotional effect on the children of a new, unexpected pair of shoes or other item of clothing from a total stranger. Whether you call it a

gift, a random act of kindness, or a simple expression of love, the impact on a young child can be profound. And in these times of very difficult economic circumstances, this kind act also deeply touches the parents of these children.

The program works the same way this year as it has in the past. Beginning this week, simply stop at one of the bulletin boards located at the entrances to Church. Pinned to these boards will be cards with the first names and clothing needs of girls and boys at St. Anthony. (Their principal and teachers tell us which children need our help, and what items and sizes.) Simply select a card, sign your name on the clipboard list, purchase the item listed on the card—many items can be purchased by phone with a credit card and shipped directly to your home—and return it to the Shoes That Fit box in either of two locations: in the Rectory just inside the front door, or in the Peace Center next to the glass doors near Susan Gindy’s office. Shoes That Fit volunteers deliver the items to the school each week. It doesn’t take much—and STF is an easy and unusually personal way to engage the whole family in a truly meaningful act of kindness.

Lastly, Shoes That Fit always welcomes new volunteers--please call if you’re interested. I think our Committee of 20

would agree that this program offers a rare, emotionally rich opportunity to play a hands-on role in doing the work Christ has asked us to do. Thank you for your continued support, and God bless you all.

Kathi Balousek (376-8934)

Shoes That Fit Coordinator