The third annual Kicks for Kids School Shoes project sponsored by Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church and Payless Shoe Source, supported by Catholic Charities, was an unqualified success! The event took place on Saturday, July 25, and it was a great day for everybody.

“Mom, can I really have any school shoes I want? Are you positive? I can have these?” A small boy looks up at his mother with eyes full of hope and uncertainty, holding out his shoe box like an offering. “These? Are you sure?”

“I have Hannah Montana shoes!” squeals a delighted kindergartner, clutching her shoe box to her chest protectively. “I want these shoes!”

“I had no idea he’s in a size 7,” a grateful mom says, looking skeptically at her sixth grade son, with a Payless staff member kneeling to measure his feet. “I think those shoes he has on are fives! He’s really growing!”

“These feel a lot better,” her son verifies, flexing his new leather shoes and grinning. “And I am in MEN’S sizes now! I’m almost ready for college!”

These were just some of the inspiring encounters that we were privileged to witness on Saturday as delighted children and their parents selected new school shoes from Payless thanks to the generosity of Our Lady of Mercy parishioners, Catholic Charities staff, and Payless Shoe Source. Many of the families visiting Payless stores had three, four, five or even more children. They were amazed and blessed by the opportunity to receive new shoes for school for each of their children. One third grader in a family of eight children looked up at me and said conspiratorially, showing off a pair of black oxfords, “These are MY shoes! My sister didn’t have them before me! These are all MINE!” Her amazement and delight radiated in her smile.

This program was an answered prayer for so many families in need. They made a wish . . . and Our Lady of Mercy came true! Without the generosity of Our Lady of Mercy parishioners, a nice discount from Payless Shoes, and the help of Catholic Charities caseworkers, VISTA volunteers and staff, none of this would have been possible.

The Saturday shoe distribution was, again, an opportunity to feel the presence of Christ among us. Parents slept easier Saturday night knowing that their children have new, well-fitting shoes to wear to school and 1,500 delighted children are thrilled to their toes! If you talk with an Our Lady of Mercy parishioner, please let them know what a wonderful project this was, and when you patronize Payless, be sure to give them a pat on the back for a great job well done in supporting this project. And for all those Catholic Charities staff who turned out on Saturday to help, here is a big THANK YOU! This great project requires everybody to work together and it’s a blessing to all of us!