Kids crowded around the table outside Spirit Lake Elementary School Thursday, eager to get their free pair of shoes.

Running Shoes 4 kiDs kicked off its first athletic shoe distribution and drive Thursday, providing about 25 kids with running shoes. Another distribution/drive will be held Oct. 6 at Timberlake Junior High School from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. People are encouraged to drop off their old running shoes or pick up a pair if they need one, for free.

“Most people feel like ‘what’s the catch?’” said Running Shoes 4 kiDs founder Colene Hotmer. “But people were happy to get them. We still have a wait list of about 10 for sizes we don’t have.”

Running Shoes 4 kiDs is a nonprofit that collects used running shoes and donates them to families and kids who can’t afford a new pair. Proper running shoes are important because, as Hotmer put it, “They make for happy feet.”

Hotmer started the organization after she volunteered for Athol Elementary School’s cross country program. Hotmer said she saw many kids come to practice and run in Converse shoes and cowboy boots.

Since its inception, Running Shoes 4 kiDs has given shoes to dozens of people who were nominated and or in families Hotmer felt needed the help.

Nicci McLeod received shoes from the program for her three kids. One of her sons was getting heart surgery in 2014. That same day, her other son started cross country. He showed up to practice in the $5 pair of shoes she bought at Walmart. Due to medical bills and life in general, McLeod couldn’t afford new running shoes for her kids.

One of her boy’s teachers referred them to Hotmer, who donated shoes to them.

“They’re wonderful. All three kids got a pair,” McLeod said. “My son put them on and said he could run really fast now. It was cute. He thought he could actually run way faster with the new shoes.”

Running Shoes 4 kiDs puts on two races every year. The money from these events is used to buy shoes. If someone is nominated to get shoes, and Hotmer doesn’t have their size from the donated collection, she goes out and buys them. She said she has a good relationship with Tri-State Outfitters and Big 5 Sporting Goods where she can sometimes get shoes at cost.

The fourth annual Harvest Run Invitational will be held Oct. 15 at 13782 N. Government Way at 2 p.m. Elementary cross country teams are encouraged to show up and compete, There will be races for ages 4-14 as well as a citizens race for everyone else. Race entry costs $10 per person.

For more information or to register, contact Colene Hotmer at (208) 704-1772, or visit RunningShoes4kids.webs.com.