Weller Elementary kids earn brand new shoes

More than 300 kids receiving a brand new pair of shoes, thanks to their good behavior and the group One Sole Purpose.

October 08, 2010|by Linda Russell, KY3 News | lrussell@ky3.com

SPRINGFIELD, Mo.-- It looked like Christmas Friday at Weller Elementary in northeast Springfield. More than 300 kids receiving a brand new pair of shoes, thanks to their good behavior and the group One Sole Purpose.

The kids at Weller were fitted for their shoes at the end of August. They had to have 5 Pride bucks saved up to get their new sneakers, and the pay-off is priceless for those who made it all possible.

The Panther store at Weller Elementary accepts only Pride Bucks, earned by students who are Polite, and show Respect, Integrity, Discipline and Effort. "If we don't get a think sheet, then we get the money, and we get to go to the store," says 3rd grader Amia Mosley.

Well behaved students earn 5 pride bucks a week to spend at the community stocked store.
"They're not only learning math skills, they're learning how to make decisions. They're learning that they need to earn," says Weller Elementary School Principal Marilyn Monroe.

Students save up their Pride Bucks to sometimes buy the things they want, or want to give to others, but other times, buy the things they need. Sometimes, there's not enough of those to go around. "The big thing is shoes. They will ask about shoes first thing," Monroe says.

So hearing about the need, Gayla Wells spearheaded the start of One Sole Purpose. She partnered with High Street Baptist Church and Shoe Carnival. "Kids go through shoes so fast, you know. They're growing so fast," says Wells.

Friday was delivery day. "It seemed like a year to me," says 3rd grader Ameerah Norwood.

With $8,500 raised in just four weeks, One Sole Purpose is fixing up every one of the 330 kids at Weller with a new pair of shoes, the color of their choice. "My favorite color's pink, so I picked pink," says Mosley.

Many came dressed to match. "I wore a pink plaid shirt with a pink tank top, so I'd match my shoes, because I knew I was going to get them today," says Mosley.

"I just looked at the shoes, and I knew that black was probably my color," says 3rd grader Drenin Garnett.

Volunteers check the fit, and the kids seem to approve. "Really happy; they feel lighter, so that means I can run a little faster," Garnett says.

They're proud to have earned their shoes, and those who gave them the chance couldn't be happier.

"It is so worth it; just the reaction from the kids is just incredible," says Wells.

One Sole Purpose plans to provide shoes to the kids at all of Springfield's Title One schools this year. At Weller, 90% are on free or reduced lunches.

The Panther Store was started by the PTA at their sponsor school, Disney Elementary. High Street Baptist and other community members also contribute items to the store.

|

|

|