OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – Hundreds of children at a metro elementary school got a shiny new pair of shoes, some socks and even some snacks Wednesday morning, all for free.
It’s all thanks to the program “Operation Warm” who helps kids get shoes and coats across the country.
“How are you today?” a volunteer said with a smile as a child approached to be sized up for some new shoes.
The warm welcomes and smiles weren’t going to be dampened by a rainy Wednesday at Council Grove Elementary School in northwest Oklahoma City. Of course, it’s hard to be gloomy when you know you’re getting fitted for a brand new pair of shoes.
“I think we’ll do a number 7, what about you? OK? We’re going to go with him to get brand new one’s,” a volunteer said after helping a child figure out their shoe size.
Throw in a couple snacks and even some socks and it makes the whole day for over 400 students.
“It’s just such a great thing,” school principal Stacie Fryer said.
“It’s been very helpful for our school, our students, who have that extra support,” school social worker Lili Casillas said.
Operation Warm is the organization making it all happen. The national nonprofit partners with others, in this instance Bimbo Bakeries and Thomas, to help kids across the country.
“It all starts with our wish list,” Operation Warm’s Volunteer Engagement Manager Jean Burnett said. “Our wish list is absolutely free. It lives on our website, operationwarm.org.”
Council Grove has signed up for it in the past. Casillas said the shoes and socks specifically make a huge difference for their families.
“Especially with this weather, having an extra pair to change in and come to school makes it a lot easier,” Casillas said.
It’s a day loved by all. It’s also a fitting end as they close out the semester.
“We just ended our state testing and it’s going to be a wonderful end to our school year,” Fryer said.
Fryer said they have about a couple weeks left before they are out for the summer.
