Twice a year, volunteers with the North Augusta-based Laces of Love ministry bring shoes to children at the Aiken-Barnwell Head Start's Aiken facility.
That's just one location in Aiken, Barnwell and Saluda counties. The outreach ministry of the First Baptist Church of North Augusta collects donations for shoes, delivering to and fitting kids in public schools and other Head Start facilities and other children as far away as West Virginia and Nicaragua.
"This is the neatest experience," said Sharon Fleeman, a volunteer for about nine years. "We know the need out there, and there's always a great response to that need. We really enjoy coming to the school with our interaction with the children and also the staff ... It's Laces of Love and Life."
Stephanie McFadden, Head Start's family services coordinator was on staff when the volunteers arrived the first time.
"We were just happy to see them here to assist our children," she said. "We served many low-income children, and it's a privilege to be able to get these kids new shoes. The parents are always grateful."
Senior writer Rob Novit is the Aiken Standard's education reporter.
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