Back Row Left to Right: Tristan White, Eli Moore, Emily Robinson, Sierra Free, Hunter Lorance, Shaelyn Callahan, Kayla Morgan, Logan Miller, Marlee Jones, Leslie Barnett, Marissa Dunn Bottom Row Left to Right: Sponsor Mindy Pflueger, Jordan Thomas, Brooke Robinson, Kazmane Clark, Daelyn Callahan, Makayla Miller| Submitted

By Lauren Thornton Tobin|Hartselle Enquirer

Sparkman School’s Jr. Civitan Club is hosting a Shoe Drive for its first major project since being organized this year.

The project came about after nearly 100 pairs of shoes were found in the gym and almost thrown away.

Special education teacher and Sparkman School Jr. Civitan Club Sponsor Mindy Pflueger said she thought families could use them rather than see them go to waste.

“We’ve noticed some kids come in and their shoes are wore out and some families can’t buy shoes as often as they’re needed,” she said, explaining that her children grow so fast she buys new shoes as often as three times a year. “There are coat drives all over but I’ve only seen one or two shoes drives.”

If a student is wearing shoes that don’t fit or aren’t in good condition, it could cause problems in classes like physical education, not to mention general discomfort.

“It’s hard to participate and do things in school when your shoes are falling apart,” Pflueger said.

Sparkman School developed the Jr. Civitan Club after Priceville Jr. Civitans came to spend time and work on activities with Pflueger’s special needs class.

“I talked with a member of the Hartselle Civitan Club and then got in contact with Jr. Civitans International,” Pflueger explained and said she worked on it throughout the summer.

“We’re initiating 17 members on Thursday and we have several more who want to join,” she said.

The increasing number of student involvement may be a result of the Jr. Civitans also taking on the role of student council.

“A lot of students joined when they realized we were taking over student council because they found out they didn’t have to be elected,” she said.

Thanks to the Hartselle Civitans sponsoring the Juniors, students have a group to look up and ask questions to.

“The Hartselle Civitans are very dedicated to us,” Pflueger said. “Some are coming to the initiation and we’re going to some of their meetings. It’s good to have a group like that who will help.”

Pflueger said one of her favorite things about sponsoring the club is that she gets to see students stand in a spot they normally wouldn’t.

“It’s a good thing for this area. A lot of the kids are on the receiving part and don’t get to give a lot,” she said. “This allows them to give back and be in another position.

Those who want to donate new or gently used shoes can do so at Sparkman School until Nov. 15.

Jr. Civitans will line Sparkman School hallways with the donations from 3 to 6 p.m. on Nov. 16-17 for any child or adult who needs shoes.