Shoes for Little Souls, is a community service project, put on by the Rotary Club of Simi Sunset in partnership with The Samaritan Center of Simi Valley and Kohl's Department Store in Simi Valley.  The goal is to help homeless (or at risk) families get back-to-school clothes for their children; this project builds incredible confidence in these kids. Imagine when they show up on their first day of school. The community also comes together to support parents in difficult times. On Wednesday, July 18, 2018, we had our 16th annual shopping spree. One of the best organized in years!

Shoes For Little Souls 2018 brought together volunteers (or "Shop-A-Teers") from all over Ventura County, including Simi Sunset and the Morning Rotary Clubs, local businesses including Cydcor in Westlake Village, AeroVironment in Simi Valley and the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce, not to mention the many other local citizens that show up to donate their time.

Results:

  • Last year we helped 21 kids, this year we helped 36 day of + another 6 from the $910 raised in Kohl's Cash, bringing the total to 43 children (doubling the # from last year). 
  • More than 18 families were impacted with an average value of $650/family
  • We raised over $6,300, which includes local donations and Kohl's Cash (budget was $4,730 and was district matched)
  • More than $4,500 of Kohl's discounts applied
  • We had nearly 40 volunteers ("Shop-A-Teers') participate, including people from the Simi Sunset and Simi Morning Clubs, the Chamber, the Samaritan Center, AeroVironement, Cydcor and lot's more local volunteers.
The event was published in the local newspaper: The Simi Valley Acorn
 
Shoes for Little Souls Event Leads: 
Stephanie Sieminski, Community Service Director, Simi Sunset Rotary (event organizer)
Betty Eskey, Executive Director, Samaritan Center of Simi Valley
Amanda Dickey, Assistant Store Manager, Kohl's Department Store in Simi Valley
 
Quote from Betty Esky:
"This community partnership has a very positive impact on the school experience for our children and to see the appreciation and relief on the faces of the parents and guardians tells the whole story of a community working together for a common goal of improving lives around us."
 

Huge shout out to Amanda Dickey and her team at Kohl's for executing with excellence! 

Photo Credit: Don Wagenbach