The Kewanee Area United Way’s 2024 Community Impact Project, Shoes for Kids, wrapped up Oct. 10, and here are comments from some of the officials at schools where the shoes were distributed.

“On behalf of the Neponset Grade School students, families, and staff, we want to sincerely thank you for the new tennis shoes for our students.  We are truly grateful to be a part of such a caring community!” –Neponset Principal, Dena Hodge-Bates

The project was approved by the Board of Directors at Kewanee Area United Way on March 12. Throughout the year United Way was involved in all phases of the project, giving many hours to the planning, execution and deliver of shoes.  The initial goal was 200 pairs of shoes for the Head Start program and the Wethersfield and Kewanee school districts in the PreK through sixth grades.  Due to the partnership of area businesses and a $6,000 match from Kewanee Area United Way, that estimate increased to 250 pairs. 

“Since most funding for KAUW is raised in the local area, it was also important to use a local vendor,” said Linda Blair, executive director of United Way. KAUW approached Breedlove’s Sporting Goods with the idea and they agreed with no hesitation.

“The biggest stumbling block had been the provider,” Blair said. “Both Debbie and Larry at Breedlove’s were awesome. The shoes provided were quality shoes provided at cost to meet the needs of local children.”

Phase 1 was designated for pre-K to sixth grade.  Phase 2 (2025) goals are to expand to junior high and possibly build to cover the high school. 

Funding with any large project is always an issue, Blair said, but several businesses stepped up alongside Breedlove’s to meet the need.  

“Kewanee Area United Way can’t speak highly enough of the organizations, businesses and individuals that made Shoes for  Kids a priority this year. When you visit these businesses and organizations, please thank them.

They are the Ministerial Association, Salvation Army, Good’s Furniture, IHMVCU, Kiwanis, Rotary, New View Furniture, Union Federal, the Elks Lodge, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Stark County Ambulance and quite a few website donors and one anonymous donor. 

Businesses not on that list also contribute to KAUW by gift certificates, food, and prizes for the fundraisers as well as sponsoring actual events that KAUW holds through the year. 

“Because of their support for fundraisers, we can do so much more,” she said.

The businesses are Peoples National Bank, Fernando’s, Pasquale’s Pizza, Cerno’s, Save-a-Lot, State Bank of Toulon, Community State Bank of Galva, Sutton Realty, Mel Foster Co., Arby’s, Scooter’s, The Downtown Eatery, Blissful Branch, Krans Kafe, Entwined, Edward Jones, NAPA, O’Reilly’s, AutoZone and Country Morning Coffee.