Citrus Heights Rotary Club donates over 600 pairs of shoes to local schools

By Sara Beth Williams–
The Citrus Heights Rotary Club recently delivered 677 pairs of new shoes to 11 elementary, middle, and high schools in the San Juan Unified School District, and the Sayonara Youth Center in Citrus Heights.

This year marks the sixth year of the Rotary Club’s signature project according to a Dec. 1 press release. During that time, the Rotary Club has donated approximately 2,812 pairs of shoes to support students in need. School staff are responsible for identifying the student recipients. The Rotary Club has also furnished each school with Brannock devices enabling the staff to accurately measure students’ foot sizes, the release said.

“The Club’s fundraising efforts in the community coupled with grant support from the Rotary Foundation District Grants contribute to the year-to-year successes of this project with expenditures to date of $54,044,” the release said.

Bob Churchill, past president of the Citrus Heights Rotary Foundation said the Rotary International Foundation District Grants typically comprise 50 percent of the funds necessary for the shoe project each year. This year, over $11,000 in funds went toward the shoe donation project.

Each school is also provided with mini-grant forms which allow schools to apply for grants of up to $250, which can be used for other necessities such as socks, leggings, undergarments, clothing, additional shoes, and other items for students in need.

San Juan Unified School District Director of Communication Raj Rai said Wednesday that the district has had a longstanding partnership with the rotary club, adding that the recent donations will help “keep our schools stocked with shoes” for any students in need of a new pair.

The Rotary Club of Citrus Heights has been active for more than 60 years providing “Service above Self” throughout the community. Meeting information is posted online.