DUBOIS: A simple pair of sneakers can mean confidence in the classroom, comfort on the playground, and dignity for a child walking into school each morning.
That’s the heart behind “Shoe Some Love,” a Valentine’s season effort bringing together Shoe Sensation in the DuBois Commons, the DuBois Clothing Closet, and We Care For Kids (WCFK) to meet a growing need in local schools.
Each month, We Care For Kids distributes more than 50 pairs of sneakers to students in the DuBois Area School District and at Jeff Tech. Organizers say demand continues to rise, prompting this special push to collect 200 pairs of new sneakers between February 1st and 14th.
How To Help
Shoe Sensation, located at 240 Commons Drive, is serving as a primary collection point for the campaign. Community members can either:
- Purchase new sneakers at the store and donate them on-site
- Drop off new shoes during regular business hours
- Donate gift cards in increments of $5 or more for those who prefer not to select shoes themselves
The drive is seeking boys’ and girls’ youth sizes 1 through 6, along with all adult sizes.
Collection bins are also available at Shoe Dept. Encore at the DuBois Mall and at Luv 2 Sew 4 U, expanding opportunities for residents to contribute.
Meeting A Growing Need
We Care For Kids provides essential clothing and footwear to students throughout the DuBois area. In addition to supporting elementary schools, the organization serves middle and high school students, as well as those attending Jeff Tech.
Organizers say sneakers are one of the most consistently requested items.
A properly fitting pair of shoes isn’t just about appearance — it affects a child’s ability to participate in gym class, sports, outdoor activities, and even everyday classroom routines. For some families, purchasing new sneakers simply isn’t financially possible, especially as children grow quickly.
By setting a goal of 200 pairs during the two-week campaign, organizers hope to create a reserve that will allow them to continue responding quickly to school referrals.
Support Beyond Valentine’s Day
While the “Shoe Some Love” drive runs through February 14th, Shoe Sensation has also committed to accepting donations throughout the year in support of the DuBois School Clothing Closet.
That ongoing partnership ensures that students across four local elementary schools, the DuBois Area Middle School, DuBois Area High School, and Jeff Tech can access needed clothing discreetly and without stigma.
A Community Effort
From red collection bins beginning to fill with brand-new sneakers to local businesses opening their doors as drop-off sites, organizers say the response has been encouraging.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, the message is simple: sometimes the most meaningful way to show love is by helping a child walk comfortably and confidently into school.
