About the Nonprofit
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The shoe program, currently hosted by Collinsville Charities for Children, has been a part of the Collinsville community for many years.
It was originally started by the Collinsville Optimist Club in the early 80s. The Optimist Club continued to host the program until 2008 when the club unfortunately disbanded. At that time, some of the former Optimist Club members, as well as other community members, decided to continue the shoe program. Collinsville Charities was created to sustain this very important program in our community. Since 2008, the program has continued to grow, and Collinsville Charities for Children has been able to assist hundreds of children by providing them with quality shoes--one of the most basic necessities of life.
Now each year, right before winter break, we meet with several hundred less fortunate students in the Unit 10 school district. Each student gets to pick out a new pair of shoes and socks. Then they get to meet with Santa before going back to school. Some of these children have never had a new pair of shoes...most wearing hand-me-downs and shoes unfitted to their size.
Currently, we raise enough money for students up to the 4th grade. Our goal is to be able to expand our program to help kids in older grades. Also, throughout the year we are able to assist families who are struggling or have suffered losses due to a fire or other tragedy.
