Kids at the Boys and Girls Club of Kootenai County slipped off their old shoes and laced into new ones Monday. 

Luna from Post Falls beamed with pride as she held her red shoes.

“That’s my favorite color," she said.

For Rita Case, a pair of shoes isn’t just for an outfit, but a way to interact with the world. 

“I started the shoe program to give the kids a pair of summer shoes,” said Case, president and CEO of Rick Case Automotive Group. “It’s been proven that kids with well-fitting shoes are more likely to participate in athletics and go to school.” 

Case has run the summer shoe program for nine years, undertaking the cost to purchase shoes through Soles4Souls Inc. to provide Boys and Girls club youth with summer sneakers. 

This year, Case was able to acquire several different brands, from Jordan to Reebok. She wanted to make sure that the shoes didn’t only fit but gave the children confidence.

Behringer, who received a new pair of shoes, was excited for his pair and said they made him feel “pretty good.” 

Over 600 pairs of shoes and 1,000 pairs of socks were laid out on the gym floor as 40 volunteers raced around to make sure that each kid found the right fit.

Mark Kuhnhausen, executive director of the Boys and Girls Club of Kootenai County, was proud to host the event. 

“They all think they can jump higher and run faster,” said Kuhnhausen. “It’s just fun to see kids get brand new shoes.” 

Kuhnhausen said the kids aren’t the only ones who benefit from the shoe drive. 

“To see people in the community come out to help, it’s good for them, too,” he said. 

Jami Hanna volunteers because she likes to get to know the young children and she knows the difference a pair of shoes can make.

“I love that connection and to help inspire them,” Hanna said.

Ellen Schmand volunteered because she likes giving back.

"We love kids," she said. 

The Post Falls branch of the Boys and Girls club was included in this years’ giveaway.

The giveaway will serve well over 450 kids. Any extra pairs of shoes will be set aside for children who join the club in July.  

The free shoe campaign — and in the winter a coat and boot giveaway — is thanks to the work of the late Rick Case and his wife, Rita, who established Boys and Girls Club locations in their home state of Florida and have donated often in Coeur d’Alene.

“I truly believe that these children deserve a good pair of shoes,” Rita Case said.

    Brad Baldwin helps fit Behringer L.'s new sneakers.
  

Lynn Smith measures children's feet so they get the correct fitting shoes.

    Jami Hanna helps Penelope H. with tying her shoes.
  

    A group of kids from the Post Falls Boys and Girls Club pose with their new kicks.