July 30, 2018
Nothing says “back-to-school” like a new pair of shoes. But for many families, it’s an expense they just can’t afford.
Wilkinson Center volunteer Carlin Morris saw need in East Dallas, and in 1985, started a shoe drive to help provide children with new shoes to start the school year. Since then, this volunteer-founded and volunteer-led program has supplied more than 36,000 children with new shoes and socks.
I have met the dynamic Carlin Morris before, and for many years have wanted to participate in the event that she started and continues to coordinate for the Wilkinson Center, an agency that combines food and emergency assistance to families with multi-generational educational opportunities that can change their lives.
I was thrilled this week to finally participate in the Carlin Morris Shoe Distribution, and to have my son Anders, and my husband Johan, with me. I love it when the three of us volunteer together, and think we will make this one of our annual projects.
We arrived at the Payless Shoes store where we were greeted by Carlin. After a brief orientation, we were ready for our assignment. Once families checked in, and the children received socks and were measured for their shoe size, we led them to the stacks to assist each child in selecting the perfect pair of back-to-school shoes. For many of the children, these are the only shoes they will receive during the entire school year.
We loved chatting with the families, hearing about where the children went to school, and seeing their faces light up when they found their new shoes.
During this 32nd annual shoe distribution, volunteers helped to give away more than 1300 pairs of shoes for children in need. According to the Wilkinson Center, over the course of the distribution, 120 volunteers gave more than 300 hours of service this year–a gift that allows this event to continue year after year.
Volunteers are vital to the success of Wilkinson Center, serving as partners with the organization and assisting in their goal to provide quality programs and services to their clients. I have taken several Lakehill Preparatory School groups to volunteer over the years, and have worked on a variety of projects. My Community Connections campers love partnering with the Wilkinson Center to work in the food pantry or in the resource center.
Individuals or small groups may sign up for volunteer assignments in the Wilkinson Center’s various programs, including food and emergency services, adult education, and family enhancement programs. Corporate and large group should inquire here about projects.
