The Sioux City Journal
By Caitlin Yamada
More than 700 Spalding Park Elementary School students received new shoes on Tuesday from Restoration Church's annual Great Shoe Giveaway.
Restoration Church, formerly Morningside Assembly of God, has provided shoes to Spalding Park students for the past three years. Every student in attendance received a pair of new socks and tennis shoes.
"They're so excited. Their feet are so fast and they can jump so high and they're all just very excited," said Spalding Park Principal Jody Vanderloo.
Restoration Church started the initiative four years ago, just with kids in their congregation. This is the third year the church has partnered with Spalding Park to provide every student with a new pair of shoes and socks.
Restoration Church Lead Pastor Johnny Helton said many organizations provide other items to school age students such as food, backpacks, coats and school supplies, so the church saw a need for shoes. It costs the church around $8,000 to purchase the shoes, which the congregation pays for.