GREENSBORO, Ga. — On Jan. 25, 37 children from Greene and Putnam Counties embarked on a heartwarming journey to Shoe Carnival in Augusta for the Rotary Club of Greene and Putnam Counties’ bi-annual Shoes 4 Kids event. This longstanding community initiative, now in its 10th year, provides local children with new shoes, socks, books, and a memorable shopping experience, helping ensure that every child has the essentials for school.

Accompanied by Rotarians and volunteers, the children boarded school buses to Shoe Carnival in Augusta, where they were welcomed with open arms. Each child received a brand new pair of shoes, along with a pair of socks, a book from Rotary’s Books 4 Kids program, and snacks to fuel their shopping experience. Volunteers were on hand to assist the children in making their selections, ensuring they felt confident and excited about their new shoes. The process was not just about picking out footwear; it was an opportunity for mentorship and connection, as volunteers engaged with the kids, listening to their stories and sharing in their excitement.

As part of the event, Chick-fil-A Lake Oconee generously provided biscuits for all the children, ensuring they had a tasty start to their day. The Shoe Carnival store in Augusta opened exclusively for the event, creating a private and special shopping environment for the children, free from the crowds and distractions of regular retail hours.

“We are incredibly proud of the impact that the Shoes 4 Kids event has on the children in our community,” said Rotarian Ashley Goodroe, who has organized the event for several years. “This event is about more than just providing shoes — it’s about giving these kids the confidence and comfort they deserve and giving them an experience that is positive and empowering. We are so grateful for the support of Shoe Carnival, our volunteers, and local partners like Chick-fil-A Lake Oconee who make it all possible. This event truly embodies the spirit of Rotary — people coming together to make a positive impact on the lives of others.”

The Shoes 4 Kids event is one of the Rotary Club’s signature projects, and the organization has worked closely with Shoe Carnival for the past ten years to ensure its success. Special thanks were given to Putnam County Charter School System Representative Rev. Avis Williams, a steadfast supporter of the initiative, whose dedication to the cause continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of local children and to Shoe Carnival Store Manager Jeanette Oldham and her excellent staff for opening the store early for the event and providing shopping assistance and snacks to the children, and Chick-fil-A Lake Oconee for providing chicken biscuits.