KTAF NEWS

“Boots & Shoes” returned to Sturgis Wednesday.

The event is a collaboration between Sturgis’ Elks and Kiwanis clubs that provides footwear for children. But that’s not all the children receive. They’re also treated to a pizza party and a visit with Santa and gift. Ayres-Oak Insurance also provides hats, gloves and socks. Members of Key Club, an arm of Sturgis Kiwanis Club at Sturgis High School, also take part in the event.

This year, things looked a little different at Boots & Shoes.

For one, the event was held at Sturges-Young Center for the Arts. The boots and shoes typically come from Willer’s in Sturgis, but this year there were supply issues, said Natalie Boland of Sturgis Elks Club. Instead, this year the boots came from Columbia Sportswear. Children received boots only as opposed to a choice of boots or shoes.

It was a bit of a guessing game knowing which sizes of boots to have on hand at the event, Boland said.

“We did the best we could to try to guess which sizes we would need,” she said. “I have a list to order whatever we don’t have on hand for kids and make sure we get it for them.”

Another change: Boots & Shoes was opened up to children in grades K-5. In the past, it was a K-2 event. About 85 children participated this year.

Also this year, parents transported their children to the event, rather than volunteers picking them up.

Boland wished to thank the many volunteers who made Boots & Shoes possible.

Brian Oswald, president of Sturgis Kiwanis Club, said Elks and Kiwanis members have been working together to make the event happen for years.And the clubs work well together, he said.

“Our two clubs share a common mission which is to work and help children in the community,” he said. “Teaming up together makes more sense. It’s a great relationship.”

Oswald also commented on the large number of volunteers at Boots & Shoes and their age range.

“It’s great to see some of the younger people helping out and also some of the longtime members who have been giving back for a long time,” he said.