Local Happy Feet Program Makes Big Strides With $7K Grant

Walking into school on the first day can sometimes feel a little intimidating. A new pair of shoes can help! And thanks to a significant award to Crittenden County’s Happy Feet program, more students than ever are getting the chance to put a little spring in their step when the new school year kicks off later this month.

Crystal Wesmoland, the school district’s FRYSC director, said she was shocked and humbled when she learned that Crittenden County was the recipient of  a $7,000 grant sponsored by the Kentucky Colonels organization, enabling her team to provide shoes, socks, and backpacks to students in need.

“What an incredible blessing,” Wesmoland exclaimed. “There’s no better feeling than seeing the excitement on our students’ faces as they shop for new shoes and gear for the school year,” she said. 

Hundreds of pairs of shoes and socks, along with dozens of backpacks, were carefully organized in the Lions Club building yesterday, allowing for a one-stop-shop for families as they prepared for back-to-school.

Wesmoland and her team, along with school leaders and volunteers, greeted families at the door and assisted with sizing, as children happily scooped up their favorite footwear. Organizer Janet Gill, president of the Happy Feet foundation, was also present to assist during the one-day event. Gill said that the program has grown far beyond anyone’s expectations.

“In just over 17 years, we have purchased more than $1.8 million dollars’ worth of shoes for students in 16 Kentucky counties and one Indiana county,” said Gill. 

The goal of Happy Feet, Gill said, is to remove barriers to students’ school success and build self-esteem. The late Jerry Baird founded the program in 2009 in Union County, Kentucky. 

Wesmoland said fundraising happens every year, specifically for Happy Feet in Crittenden County, and that gracious donors support the program annually. The grant, Wesmoland said, enables them to serve more families and have extra pairs for use throughout the school year as normal wear and tear occurs and students become in need of additional footwear.