BUCYRUS — Wynford Elementary students have raised more than $1,800 for The Shoes That Grow program after deciding this year’s fundraiser will reach outside the community to help more people.
According to Wynford third-grade teacher Sally Ruth, the students and faculty made the decision to use kindness and their fundraising skills to reach out globally through this unique program.
“Well, many kids throughout the world do not have shoes, clean water to drink, or a school that they can attend. Some do not even receive medical care by a physician,” Ruth said.
She said the school participates in the Leader in Me program, which was created to teach students about leadership, foster a culture of student empowerment and align systems to drive results in their academics.
“Our Staff Lighthouse Team decided we wanted to do a global fundraiser this year and combine the efforts of all grade levels at the elementary school,” Ruth said.
Each class is doing their own fundraisers to make money for the program that includes a goal of $2,000 in cash and 100 bags of gently used or new pairs of shoes.
“We are at $1,800 of our goal and have collected 36 bags of shoes so far,” Ruth said.
She said the shoes and money will be given to the Shoe That Grows Program. Donations are welcome and may be brought to the Wynford Elementary or High School buildings during normal school hours.
According to the Shoe That Grows website, more than 1.5 billion people suffer from soil-transmitted diseases worldwide. Without shoes, children are especially vulnerable to soil-transmitted diseases and parasites that can cause illness and even death. Children who get sick miss school, can’t help their families and suffer needlessly. The Shoe That Grows was designed to be a longer-lasting solution for kids living in poverty. It expands five sizes and lasts for years, providing health, access to education and happiness. A $20 donation will send one pair of shoes.
Learn more at The Shoes That Grow website.
For more information, contact Sally Ruth at Wynford Elementary by calling 419-562-4619 or email her at ruth.sally@wynfordroyals.org,