Happy Feet

History

The Happy Feet Program evolved from the club’s participation in a project to assist needy families during the Christmas season of 1991. Families chosen were those that might not otherwise receive assistance from other agencies.

 

Working with a local elementary school a family was selected. It consisted of a widow and her three children. The family had been on welfare but the woman decided she wanted more for her family and set out on her own. Although her income could modestly sustain the family, medical bills prohibited her from providing fully the necessities of life.

 

Most difficult for her to obtain were shoes and socks for her children. Although the children were given clothing, special emphasis was placed on securing footwear.

 

As a result, the children’s teacher noticed their self-esteem increased. They tended to socialize more and were no longer teased about their worn shoes.

 

From this, the North Las Vegas Rotarians recognized the value of providing shoes to children and the Happy Feet program was born. So North Las Vegas Rotary is the original home of “Happy Feet.”

 

 

 

In 1994, the program was given the State of Nevada Counseling Association award for its positive impact on school-aged children.

Selecting Schools

 

Schools located in lower income neighborhoods generally have the most need for our program; however, there are a number of circumstances, which find needy children attending schools outside of their neighborhood due to magnet schools, busing programs, special programs, and parental options.

 

Representatives from the local school district can provide assistance in identifying schools most in need. They will also assist in coordinating  the Happy Feet program. Most importantly they will ensure that awareness of the program exists for all teachers at participating schools.

 

Vendors

 

Most vendors who sell shoes are happy to sell to the Rotary Club for the Happy Feet Program… especially in the volumes that we produce.

 

Here are some things to consider when selecting a vendor:

 

·     Does the vendor display a willingness to work with the club?

·     Does the store offer a discount on all purchases, including sales items?

·     Is the store’s location convenient to Rotarians and the schools?

·     Are the store hours convenient?

·     Does the vendor offer a simple billing/voucher process?

 

Budgeting For Shoes

 

Orders for shoes come in spurts. Approximately half of the total shoe orders tend to occur within the first two months after the school year begins. A second wave occurs within six months. Orders are light around the holidays and at year’s end.

 

Projecting how many shoes will be ordered during a school year is somewhat difficult. Our club services eleven schools and one Boys & Girls Club. Schools in the least affluent neighborhoods order at a rate of about 8.5 pairs per 100 pupils annually.

 

The cost of an average pair of shoes and three pair of socks is approximately $15.00. Athletic shoes tend to be more effective than dress or casual shoes.

Program Operation

How Orders Are Filled

· Teachers or other staff members identify a child needing shoes. The child is referred to the school representative assigned by the principal, usually the school counselor.

· The counselor queries the child to help determine the appropriateness of his or her participation in the Happy Feet Program. A release form which gives permission to order a pair of shoes and a packet of socks is sent home with the child for the parent or guardian to sign. They are printed in English and Spanish.

· Upon receiving the signed permission slip the counselor measures the child’s foot. Measuring sticks have been provided to all the schools participating by the vendor.

· The counselor faxes all orders weekly. Thursday at 3pm is the deadline. Orders placed after that time are filled the following week. Orders are recorded and forwarded to vendor via phone. Orders are filled, labeled according to school, and delivered to the Rotary coordinator’s office before close of business.

· Shoes are taken to our club’s regular meetings. Members are assigned to a school and they are responsible for delivering the shoes. The school counselor then delivers these shoes to the children.

· Monthly billings from the vendor are audited by the club’s Happy Feet Coordinator and sent to the club Treasurer for payment.

North Las Vegas Rotary Club

Happy Feet Coordinator

Ken Skelton

Fax: 702-382-8037

 

North Las Vegas Rotary Club