Shoe Bank uses Foundation grant to help families keep kids warm this winter season

LOCK HAVEN – This Saturday, Nov. 23, will be a big day for many families in Clinton County, thanks
to the Lock Haven Area Shoe Bank and a $10,000 grant the nonprofit received from the Clinton
County Community Foundation.

The Shoe Bank, which is run completely by volunteers, wants to make sure families – children in
particular – are warm this winter season.

That is why – from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 23 – volunteers will distribute new shoes, socks,
sneakers, boots, hats and scarves, along with books, and gloves, mittens and winter socks when
available. The Shoe Bank also on occasion gives out backpacks.

The Shoe Bank gives free new shoes to kids and teens through high school who have Compass and
live in Clinton County or the Liberty-Curtin Elementary School area. Appointments are required.
Families are asked to register in advance by texting or calling Shoe Bank Director Diahann Claghorn
at 1-814-571-5324 any weeknight from 7 to 9 p.m.

The Shoe Bank is inside Covenant United Methodist Church at 44 W. Main St. in downtown Lock
Haven.

The church is just up the street from the U.S. Post Office and very close to and on the same side of
the street at Triangle Park.

The nonprofit expects to reach over 500 people this year as the need is growing.

“We’re seeing quite a few new families this year,” said Shoe Bank co-director Wendy Doherty. “All
eligible families get boosts and shoes.”

The distribution will continue probably through February, said Shoe Bank co-director Marianne Lotfi.
The Shoe Bank accepts referrals and tends to get most of them from Roads to Peace (The Women’s
Center; from Children and Youth Services, as well as from churches and the Salvation Army.