When they aren't putting out fires, these men and women are putting on little shoes

August 7, 2019

St. Lucie West -

More than 40 children who receive services from Communities Connected for Kids were treated to new shoes during a special event coordinated by St. Lucie County Fire Rescue.

The event, hosted August 7 at the St. Lucie West Wal-Mart, provided about 200 shoes to children from several different non-profit organizations, including CCKids.

About 400 shoes were provided to children during a similar event the week before, bringing the total of shoes provided in summer 2019 by Fire Rescue's Lil' Feet program to 600.

This year marked the first time shoes were provided during an event. In previous years, Payless Shoe Source gift cards were given out to families, who bought shoes at various times throughout the year. When the company went out of business earlier this year, the Lil' Feet Committee decided it was time for a change.

"I was skeptical about the change, because it's not always easy to get families out to an event," CCKids Community Relations Director Christina Kaiser said. "But we had a great showing, and everyone was very happy and grateful to be there - it was a lot of fun."

Attending families were able to purchase shoes and socks up to $25 per child during the event. Most of the shoes were less than $15, which meant many families went away with two pairs of shoes for every child.

Plans for a January event are underway. All shoes are funded by proceeds of the Lil' Feet Boot Auction, held each spring.

In the picture below, St. Lucie County Fire Rescue Paramedic Meradeth Smith helps children with their chosen shoes.