⭐️SPOTLIGHT⭐️
What is on your Christmas list? What do you wish to find under the tree? For some of the students in Ohio County Schools a new pair of shoes will be unwrapped Christmas morning. This is a tradition the central office staff started so Christmas wishes could come true. Annually one pair of boy and one pair of girl shoes are donated to each of our 14 schools. Approximately 30 pairs of shoes will be received by children countywide.
Central office employees have supported this cause for the past decade. Donations are made each month, and the funds go towards the purchase of new shoes for the selected students in Ohio County Schools. Approximately $2,000.00 went towards the purchase of the shoes countywide. The principals and school counselors select the students who would benefit the most from the gift. Then the request is personalized to make the gift more meaningful. The selected student is asked about their sizes and requests. Next is where the magic happens.
Jody Miller, Office of Federal Programs Secretary, takes the wish lists and brings them to life by shopping locally and ordering online to meet each request. Miller said, "If they need specific boots, or have specific needs ... we try to honor their wishes." This year the popular brands were Under Armour, Sketchers, Nike and Asics. Vans and LeBron James shoes made the list this year also. As the shoes are purchased, she organizes and arranges delivery or pick up to the schools so the gift can make it to their new owners by Christmas.
"It is so easy to make people smile. I like doing that. I will do anything for our county, and it takes so little to make people happy," Miller said. On behalf of Ohio County Schools, we thank you for your efforts and for supporting our students.
Pictured below is Jody dressed as Mrs. Claus showcasing some of the shoes purchased through Central Office donations for students in need this holiday season.