Oberlin Schools students receive new shoes from Soul to Sole | Lorain County

Students engaging in Oberlin City Schools Boys & Girls Clubs Virtual Learning Center received a new pair of kicks from Soul to Sole, a nonprofit Lorain County organization.

The students who received the free pair of donated shoes attend either Eastwood or Prospect elementary schools, according to a news release from Oberlin Schools.

Last week, Soul to Sole donated 430 pairs of shoes to students throughout Lorain County, said Amy Skolnik, Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio director of Learning Center Education.

Soul to Sole was established in 2007 in an effort to work with nonprofit organizations, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lorain County; Save Our Children; and Big Brothers Big Sisters to identify children of low-income families in need of new athletic shoes.

The organization was founded and is directed by Laurie Bove and Lori Campana.

Since May 2007, Soul to Sole has provided more than 29,000 pairs of shoes to Lorain County children between the ages of 6 and 18.

Jay Nimene, Oberlin Schools director of Student and Family Support, said the donation of shoes to the students within the Virtual Learning Center was a blessing to the students.

“For these students, to know that others care about their well-being, shows them that they are important and valued,” Nimeme said. “Plus, many of our students are still suffering the financial burden of the (novel coronavirus) pandemic, so every little bit of kindness helps bring a smile.”