Local law enforcement working to bring kids new shoes this holiday season

GREENE COUNTY — Sheriff’s deputies and police officers in Greene County spent part of their day making sure some kids in the area have new shoes.

It’s something that most people do everyday—put one shoe on after the other and head out the door. But for some, that simple task is more of a luxury to others.

For years the Greene County Fraternal Order of Police has worked to help bring shoes to kids during the holiday season.

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In the past, the FOP has been able to help anywhere from 20 to 60 children each year.

“We started this back 1944 when some senior officers noticed that some kids needed shoes from that point it grew to where we are now,” said Joe Thorne, President of Greene County FOP Lodge 37.

In 2019, the groups helped more than 100 children, and they’re expecting to help even more kids this year.

The list of items don’t only include shoes. Kids will also get winter hats and socks.

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“We meet the biggest unmet health need for a child in poverty which is just one pair of shoes and socks that fits you,” said Kris Horlacher, founder of “Shoes 4 the Shoeless.”

They could also pick out items and shop for loved ones this holiday season ranging from books to stuffed animals and other goodies.

“When you live in poverty you don’t get very much and you hardly ever have anything to give so We like that whole cycle to be completed with these kids” said Horlacher.

Money donations are still being accepted on the “Shoes 4 the Shoeless” website.

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