United Way collecting athletic shoes for North Iowa children

MASON CITY — United Way of North Central Iowa is asking the community to help local children start the school year with confidence through its Kicks for Kids Athletic Shoe Drive.

The drive provides children across North Iowa with brand-new athletic shoes so they can learn, play and grow with confidence. Organizers say the effort is built around a simple message: every child deserves to walk into school feeling prepared.

Community members can help by donating new or gently used kids’ athletic shoes at donation boxes throughout North Iowa. Shoes may also be dropped off at the United Way office, 520 S. Pierce Ave., Suite 204, Mason City.

Monetary donations are also being accepted, with 100% of funds donated to the Kids Shoe Drive going toward the purchase of shoes for children in North Iowa. United Way is also seeking volunteers to help organize and distribute shoes during upcoming events.

Shoe distribution events are scheduled for:

Mason City: Monday, July 21, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Community Health Center.

Charles City: Monday, Aug. 4, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Central Park.

Forest City: Wednesday, Aug. 6, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Forest City YMCA.

Donation boxes are available at the following Mason City-area locations: Mason City Family YMCA, 1840 S. Monroe Ave.; West Town Charlie Brown Preschool and Childcare Center; Washington Charlie Brown Preschool and Childcare Center; First Citizens Bank, 2601 Fourth St. SW; Newman Preschool & Childcare; 98.7 Kiss Country/103.7 The Fox, 201 N. Federal Ave.; Greater Mason City Chamber of Commerce, 9 N. Federal Ave.; Mason City Public Library, 225 Second St. SE; NIP East – Fitness and Smoothie Bar, 471 S. Illinois Ave.; Clear Lake Bank and Trust, 425 Tiffany Dr.; Clear Lake Bank and Trust, 100 E. State St.; and Trinity Lutheran Church, 213 N. Pennsylvania Ave.

Forest City donation locations include Forest City Family YMCA, 916 W. I St.; Hy-Vee, 315 U.S. 69; Forest City Public Library, 115 E. L St.; and KIOW Mix 107.3, 216 N. Clark St.

In Charles City, shoes may be donated at KCHA Radio, 207 N. Main St.

For more information, to donate or to volunteer, visit unitedwaynci.org or call 641-423-1774. United Way of North Central Iowa may also be contacted by mail at P.O. Box 1465, Mason City, IA 50402.