National Slovak Society Life, a fraternal benefit society that preserves the Slovak heritage, is a continuing supporter of the Hubbard Chestnut Ridge Church of God’s annual shoe giveaway. This year, the NSS Life members donated $6,000 toward the effort.

The annual shoe giveaway is something the church has been doing for the past 15 years. The goal is to ensure every child has a decent pair of shoes to go to school.

“It is a great feeling to be able to provide back-to-school shoes for families in need,” said Pastor Rob McFarland at the check presentation.

NSS not only provides the funds to purchase the shoes, but helps fit the children as well.

“We have seen kids come in with shoes barely on their feet,” said NSS Life president Laurie Fox.

The NSS local assembly 731 has contributed shoe horns and foot measuring devices to allow for a proper fitting shoe. The tools and measuring items were given by Kathy Cessna, NSS Assembly of Youth Programs Coordinator.

The shoes can be of a variety of brands and sizes to fit kindergarten through high school seniors.

“We try to have a variety of shoes, but the children are always satisfied with what they end up with,” Fox said.

Fox said in the past shoes were less costly compared to today.

To continue serving the needy children requires a little more and thus the $6,000 donation.

“This is the most we have ever raised for the program,” Fox said. “We should be able to have hundreds of pairs of shoes.”