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Jana ‘Shoeman’ Project Gets Big Kick from Local Church Donation
Jana Elementary recently wrapped up its shoe drive for the Shoeman Waterman Project, which collects donated shoes, new or gently used, and exports the shoes to street vendors in places like Haiti, Kenya and South America. The organization then uses the funds from exporting for clean water programs in communities around the world.
The Jana drive, coordinated by the school’s Student Ambassador group, collected 394 pairs of shoes from teachers, students and their families. Christian Pennington, a fourth grade student at Jana, mentioned the shoe drive to his father, the Rev. Charles Pennington, pastor at Bethel Providence Christian Church in Florissant.
“Our church routinely collects shoes and clothing as part of our outreach ministry, so when my son mentioned that the school was putting together a shoe drive, it was a natural fit,” Pennington said. “For the shoes and clothes we collect, we work with Share My Kickz. I talked to their CEO, and here we are.”
Pennington also serves on the HSD Heroes advisory board. HSD Heroes is a District-wide program developed to increase the adult presence in Hazelwood schools through volunteer service.
The combined donation from the Bethel Providence Christian Church and Share My Kickz amounted to 300 pairs of shoes, giving Jana’s Student Ambassadors 694 pairs of shoes to donate.
“This was an unexpected collaboration on this shoe drive and it turned out great,” said Karla Holland, school social worker and advisor for the Student Ambassadors. “Thank you to Pastor Pennington and his congregation and to Share My Kickz. We really appreciate their support.”
“This project demonstrates just what students are capable of when we give them the opportunity, support and guidance,” said Sheilah Fitzgerald, Jana principal. “An activity like this helps students build character, leadership skills and a sense of responsibility – all important traits to becoming successful adults. We’re so proud of them!”
Share My Kickz is a non-profit organization that collects shoes for residents at domestic violence shelters. Rhonika Jones is the group’s CEO and founder.
“We are a non-profit organization that collects shoes for residents at domestic violence shelters,” Jones explained. “We are happy to help Jana students with such an important project.”
