TPS Students find their "Sole Mates"

The Topeka South Rotary Club hosted students from Scott Magnet, Highland Park Central Elementary and Ross Elementary as part of their Sole Mates Project. About 30 students in kindergarten through fourth grade headed to Payless Shoesource on Wednesday, January 22^nd, meeting up with Topeka South Rotary Club members to select a new pair of school shoes and package of socks. 

Rotary volunteer Jamie Stafford explained that the children were each paired with a Rotary volunteer who helped them select their new footwear. The Sole Mates project has taken place once a month for about three years, providing shoes for approximately 30 kids each month. So far this school year, around 200 kids have received new school shoes. The program is possible through Rotary donations and a Rotary International grant. “We love doing it,” Stafford added. 

The kids were clearly delighted with- and proud of- their stylish new footwear!