Put on your shoes and run
When Colene Hotmer coordinated the Athol Elementary School cross country program, the volunteer coach realized how far a pair of running shoes can really go.
Kids would show up to practice in their Converse shoes and cowboy boots. When Hotmer told them it was easier to run in tennis shoes, a few kids told her they didn’t have any. As the cross country program grew, she found that more kids didn’t own running shoes.
After about four years, when school officials placed teachers in charge of the cross country program, Hotmer still wanted to contribute to the kids running scene. So, instead of 5K races, she put on races younger kids could run.
“I thought it would be fun for local kids and homeschooled kids to compete in these races and then all of the money could go to buy shoes for kids that need them,” she said. “It would be a win-win.”
This was the start of Hotmer’s program Running Shoes 4 Kids. People can nominate others to receive shoes. There are no requirements or qualifications needed to get a pair of shoes. People getting shoes usually write to Running Shoes 4 Kids about why they need running shoes and how it will help them to have new shoes.
“Kids get nominated by school counselors and and coaches and different people hear about the program and nominate someone they know,” Hotmer said. “Several kids from high school, single moms and kids in foster care have gotten shoes. We are reaching out to kids that need them and moms and dads that are having a heck of a time making ends meet.”
So far, Running Shoes 4 Kids has given shoes to 47 people who were nominated and to seven different families Hotmer felt needed the help.
Hotmer receives donated shoes and buys shoes for her program. She has a donation box at Feet Fleet where people can donate their new or slightly used running shoes.
“She approached us, this is her great idea,” said Garth Merrill, owner of Feet Fleet. “Lots of shoe stores do some kind of recycling program like this with old shoes. What’s nice about this one is that it’s very local. You see the direct benefit in happy running kids with happy running feet.”
Feet Fleet can also occasionally donate shoes that were returned to the store for various reasons and shoes it removes from its inventory.
Running Shoes 4 Kids puts on two races a year. The money from these events is used to buy shoes. If someone is nominated to get shoes and Hotmer doesn’t have their size from the donated collection, she goes out and buys them. She said she has a good relationship with Tri-State Outfitters and Big 5 Sporting Goods where she can sometimes get shoes at cost.
Running Shoes 4 Kids’ next race is the Run2 Summer Youth and Citizens Race at Timberlake High School Saturday, May 7 at 11 a.m. There will be a $10 entry fee or donation of new or slightly used running shoes.
“My 3-year-old was running out there one year and it’s just a blast to watch these little tiny feet run,” Hotmer said. “They are just so excited and happy and then they get the medals around their necks and their faces just light up.”
Running Shoes 4 Kids has also started monthly fun-runs called “Move 4 Shoes.” The goal of these runs is to get people outside and moving. Walkers, joggers and runners of all ages are welcome.
The next one takes place today at Tubbs Hill at 7 p.m.
Hotmer wants to spread the word about what Running Shoes 4 Kids is doing so she can help more people. The most recent batch of donated shoes consists of a lot of women’s shoes sizes 8 to 10. She hopes she can give them to people who need them, whether they are in middle school, high school or an adult.
“I’m a firm believer that kids that have a purpose, who can go out there and hit the pavement, find focus and direction out there on their own two feet are much better off than having to depend on video games or drugs,” Hotmer said. “They can just grab their shoes and go.”
For more information about Running Shoes 4 Kids or to sign up for the race in May, send an email to runningshoes4kids@gmail.com or visit the website at www.runningshoes4kids.webs.com.