SHAWANO COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A Shawano County woman is challenging the community to help her collect hundreds of shoes for needy students at area school districts.
What started off as a shopping spree for Rachel Bleser and her two children quickly ended with an idea to help others.
“I was shopping on Tuesday evening and I was in the shoe department and came across shoes that were discarded, worn out, smelling, and clearly ditched there and swapped.”
At first, Bleser tells FOX 11 she was angry and disgusted that someone would steal a pair of shoes and leave old ones.
“But then my heart kind of softened and then I thought, what if these were my kids and I had no other choice but to steal to put shoes on their feet.”
That’s when Bleser took her idea to hold a shoe drive to Facebook, where hundreds of people have already reached out in hopes of donating.
“It’s so humbling to see how many people have come together. I’ve had businesses pledge to send checks so I can go shopping for shoes. I’ve had schools and principals reach out, I’ve had counselors reach out and say I have students in mind that need shoes can you count us in and I’m like absolutely.”
Hillcrest Primary School is just one of the schools that would benefit from this drive, the hope is to collect 500 pairs of shoes by November 1st.
“It’s beyond incredible to see what the community can do to support the needs of their local school districts. It’s remarkable because we do have students that come to school with holes in their shoe,” said school social worker Jenna Brooks.
Brooks tells FOX 11 there are at least 50 students in her school that would benefit from these donations and she looks forward to seeing the joy it will bring.
“I’ve been able to give students new shoes for gym class or at the beginning of the year, and to see their faces light up brings tears to your eyes.”
Here is a list of drop off locations for donations:
Shawano Locations
Dr. William Swetlik / Shawano Orthodontics115 Alpine Ct. UpperShawano, WI 54166
Bullfrogs and Butterflies Daycare201 Eberlein Park Dr.Shawano, WI 54166
Fusion Salon150 County Road B, Ste. BShawano, WI 54166
Shoe Sensation1211 E Green Bay St.Shawano, WI 54166
Green Bay Locations
Discount Tire2328 Costco WayBellevue, WI 54311
Air Force Gymnastics969 N Military Ave.Green Bay, WI 54303
Maurice’s (Two Locations)Bay Park Square MallAshwaubenon
2352 Lineville Rd.Suamico, WI 54313
