“A Step in the Right Direction”
The “Heels for HEALS” shoe drive was initiated in 2005 by a HEALS, Inc. staff member who noticed many of the children wearing shoes too small, too large, or in such poor condition they were unfit to wear to school. Upon her concern, immediate action was taken to create this beneficial and rewarding program for HEALS patients.
Now, not only does HEALS provide children with a free and caring medical home, they give away a brand new pair of athletic shoes to every child that visits the clinics for their yearly well- child checkup.
Though it might be easy for some of us to take such items for granted, never underestimate the power of new, warm socks and shoes…
One rainy day, a little boy entered the HEALS clinic soaking wet from head to toe. His clothes were drenched, his hair was sopping, and his feet were curled up and freezing from the tattered holes in his socks and shoes. Any other day, a child would have received his shoes only after the appointment, but on this day, a concerned HEALS staff member took immediate action and fixed him up with a new pair of warm, dry socks and shiny, white athletic shoes of his very own. As the little boy finished tying his new shoes, he quickly stood up, grinned from ear to ear, hugged and thanked her for his new look—then it was off for his yearly check-up!
Beyond the bright smile and boost in confidence it presents in kids like the one mentioned above, “Heels for HEALS” also serves as a much needed incentive for the parents to bring their children to this important yearly visit. The program enhances the relationship between HEALS and the family, instills a feeling of trust, and serves as a reminder for parents and children of the value of good health and hygiene.
