COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – A women’s group in Branch County is again this year assisting needy kids in helping those who might not have adequate supplies of shoes, boots and socks. During their quarterly fall meeting, Women Who Care of Branch County chose the Happy Feet program for their quarterly $100 donation by each woman in the group. A total of $8,500 was donated to the Altrusa Happy Feet Fund, which is held at the Branch County Community Foundation.
Happy Feet was established in 2008, as group members were made aware of the need for children ages 1-19 to have adequate socks and shoes and boots. Branch County educators realized without these basic needs being met it hindered school attendance or students were struggling to learn because their feet were cold.
Since 2008, Happy Feet has purchased 2,400 pairs of shoes, boots and socks which have been donated back to Branch County children. Happy Feet volunteers work with a network of school counselors to identify children in needs of shoes in Branch County. Colleen Knight, of the Branch County Community Foundation says the Happy Feet Fund has grown quickly because of Altrusa’s promotion and recognizing a need in our community.
Knight also said that tirelessly working behind the scenes on this mission is Connie Winbigler, Altrusa member and Committee Head, who helps to meet a growing need by creating marketing materials and giving people more options for donating.
For more information about creating funds for charitable projects, contact the Branch County Community Foundation by calling 517.278.4517 or visit their website at www.BRCOFoundation.org.
