By VERNON ROBISON
The Progress
More than 100 Moapa Valley school kids were treated to a new pair of Nike sneakers, a table-ful of treats and just a little bit of away-from-class activity time on Friday, Feb. 24 at the Fine Arts Building at the Logandale Fairgrounds. It was part of a county-sponsored program called “Shoes that Fit” brought by Commissioner Marilyn Kirkpatrick.
Kirkpatrick, who was in attendance at Friday’s event, said that the county has an ongoing agreement with the Nike company to provide thousands of shoes to give away to kids in the region.
“It is a way to bring resources to kids that might need it, or who just need a little pickup in their lives,” Kirkpatrick said.
School counselors at Moapa Valley High School, Mack Lyon Middle School and Grant Bowler Elementary were tasked with selecting around 30 kids from each school to be part of the event. One school at a time, each student group was picked up from school on Friday afternoon and transported to the fairgrounds.
Upon arrival, the kids immediately sat down in two rows of chairs and were handed a box of shoes in their size. The few whose shoes didn’t have quite the right fit were given another pair until they all fit perfectly.
“It is called ‘Shoes that Fit’ for a reason,” Kirkpatrick said. “Not only does everyone get the right size of shoe. But they are also shoes that help them fit in with everyone else. What kid wouldn’t want to wear Nike shoes?”
After getting their perfectly-sized shoes, the kids were allowed to spend some time with each other engaging in various fun activities and ‘minute to win it’ games. Members of the group from Mack Lyon immediately engaged in a series of foot races across the large room to try out their new shoes.
Finally the kids were invited to a large table where there was a number of delicious treats for them to enjoy.
After a period of 45 minutes, each group was loaded in the bus and headed back to class.
School counselor Erika Whitmore said that she was pleased to see this experience offered for the kids.
“When we selected our kids, it wasn’t always about filling a financial need for them,” Whitmore said. “It was more about how to put a smile on their faces and help them have a better day. Who needed an experience like that the most?”
Kirkpatrick said that she was pleased to bring this program to the Moapa Valley community.
“We have had calls from local folks that the community needs various resources,” Kirkpatrick said. “My message has been: If you need resources we will find them for you. All you have to do is ask.”
Kirkpatrick said that a mobile social services program called “the Harbor” will be coming to the Moapa Valley Community Center every Saturday to bring resources to families. Stay tuned for more information about that.
In addition, the Clothes for Comfort clothing drive, being conducted by Kirkpatrick’s office will be ending on Wednesday, Mar. 1. That is the last day to make clothing donations at three local drop spots. These include the Overton Community Center, the Moapa Valley Senior/Rec Center and the Moapa Rec Center.
All clothing donations will stay in the community to help local folks in need.
