Children living in southern IL affected by hardship receive new shoes

ANNA, Ill. (KBSI)- WIBH Radio in Anna announced that children shoes purchased through its annual Warm Soles, New Hope Campaign, which ended in May, have arrived and are ready for pick-up. Shoes are available free of charge in sizes 7 toddler to 5
kids while supplies last.

The shoes are available through the Children’s Medical and Mental Health Resource Network (CMMHRN) in Anna, Arrowleaf in Vienna, and all Southern 7 Head Start locations to children living in Southern Illinois affected by abuse, neglect, disaster, and family need.

Children can get one pair of shoes without paperwork or proof of income required.

Families should call to make pick-up arrangements at a site closest to them.

This year’s annual campaign collected $3,040 to purchase 216 pairs of shoes.

Since it began in 2022, the fundraiser has collected over $14,289 and purchased over 984 pairs of shoes. The Warm Soles, New Hope Campaign is a partnership between the nonprofit organization Operation Warm and WIBH Radio.

While donations were down over last year, the coordinators call this year’s campaign a success as many families in the
regions continue to struggle to make ends meet.

Nearly 20% of southern Illinois children live in poverty and shoes that fit well, are an essential item every day.

“We are fortunate to live in a community that cares about the needs of others,” said Moury Bass, co-owner of WIBH.

“That’s why we are using the voice of WIBH radio to let our listeners know that there are children in Southern Illinois who need new shoes.”

While the Warm Soles, New Hope Campaign is an annual event each April and May, donations are collected throughout the year online at www.operationwarm.org/wibh.

Shoes costs are kept low at just $15 a pair. This is possible through the support of Postal Pal in Anna who donates the shipping of the shoes to allow 100% of all donations to go directly to their purchase.

Operation Warm is a national nonprofit that creates new, high-quality coats and shoes for children in need that partner with individuals and organizations across the United States to give a gift of warmth, confidence and hope to millions of children in need.