Rotary 6040 collects over 2,600 pairs of shoes for children in need

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- For the past 25 years, Rotary 6040 has partnered with Buckner Shoes to collect and distribute footwear to children in need, and this year, the partnership hit a milestone with its largest collection yet.

Over the last quarter-century, the organizations have gathered more than 450,000 pairs of shoes for children across the country.

To celebrate the 25th anniversary, they set a goal of 25,000 pairs across Buckner's various districts.

Rotary 6040 delivered, with clubs from Tarkio, Weston, and St. Joseph, collecting over 2,600 pairs, enough to fill an entire semi-truck.

"It still matters here and has for 25 years," said Shawn Kobzej, Regional Director for Buckner. "That's something that I don't take lightly. Days like today are a real reminder of why I do what I do. They really reflect the Rotary motto of 'Service Above Self' with this. Every pair of shoes going in and every person tossing them into the truck, it's really heartwarming."

Club members say the annual tradition is a living reflection of their guiding principle, service above self.

The shoes collected locally will be combined with other collections from Buckner's districts and distributed to children across the United States.

For those who have witnessed the moment a child receives a new pair of shoes, organizers say the feeling is unlike any other.

"I've gotten to see the looks on their faces when they open up that box and they get their feet washed," Kobzej recalled. "They know that somebody somewhere else was thinking about them, that somebody cared for them. Really, it's that moment of hope, letting them know that they're cared for and they're not forgotten."

For those who would like to help with this cause and donate a pair of shoes, more information can be found on the organization's website.