QC nonprofit Soles for Children plans to provide winter essentials for 1,000 children

Quad Cities nonprofit Soles For Children is preparing to provide free winter essentials to nearly 1,100 children during two community events in September, a news release says.

The annual shoes and coat giveaway will take place from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center, 630 9th St., Rock Island, with a second event Sunday, Sept. 27, from 2-5 p.m. at the Lincoln Center, 318 E. 7th St., Davenport.

About 600 children are expected at the Rock Island event, with another 400 to 500 children expected in Davenport. Children will receive free coats, shoes, hats and gloves. Other features of the event will include free Happy Joe’s pizza, haircuts, hair styling, press-on nails, a DJ and other activities. Parents must be present with their children to receive items.

“It’s so diverse. We get all kinds of different people,” said Erwin King, founder of Soles For Children. “It shows that the community needs it and that makes me happy because we’re helping everybody.”

King said the need has grown as families face higher costs for everyday necessities.

“Even people who are making decent money are struggling right now,” King said. “Many people are turning to DoorDash, Uber, Amazon Flex … getting second jobs just to get by. It’s been a rough year and everybody has felt it.”

For families with several children, the cost of new coats and shoes can quickly add up.

“That’s a lot to afford, on top of bills and groceries. We’re definitely making a change and helping people out,” King said.

The nonprofit has a storage unit with supplies in sizes for children of all ages but continues to seek donations.

“I started collecting in January, but this year I’ve had a harder time getting coats and shoes,” King said. “With the cost of everything going up, I’ve been driving all over. I’ve hit every Walmart from here to Aledo. I go where the sales go.”

The giveaway has become a community-wide effort, with sponsors and volunteers continuing to support the event despite the challenging year.

“The community is getting involved, from neighbors, to doctors and lawyers. Senator Mike Halpin and Representative Gregg Johnson come every year, helping kids try on coats and shoes,” King said. “Everyone knows there’s a need and they’re jumping in on it.”

Soles For Children also provides outreach throughout the year, including a program for teens to mentor younger kids.

“It’s not just about the event… getting a coat, shoes, eating and leave,” King said. “We want to share the message that we care about you, we’re here to support you and you can feel free to reach out to us year-round.” For more information, to volunteer or to support Soles For Children, contact Erwin King at 309-292-3210 or email here.

For more information about Soles for Children, visit here.

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