Murphy – For many students in the counties that make up western North Carolina, a sturdy and dependable pair of shoes is not guaranteed.
Counselors, educators and social workers in Cherokee, Clay and Graham counties report regularly seeing children arrive at school in shoes that are too small, worn thin and falling apart. These are quiet ways that reveal how hard some families are struggling.
The details of the shoes may be small, but the shoes a student wears shape how they walk into the building, participate in class and extracurriculars and carry themselves throughout the school day. Students who are worried about their appearance tend to be distracted in class and have a harder time connecting with peers.
Go the Extra Mile Today, a nonprofit based in Murphy, is working to change that reality for students through the Extra Mile Shoe Fund. The Shoe Fund was originally started by State Farm agent Betsy Lane in 1991 and her son-in-law, Steven Aft, has continued to manage it after her retirement.
The Shoe Fund helps to provide new, properly fitting shoes to students as soon as the need is identified by school staff. The process is simple, fast and discreet in order to help protect the dignity of the students and families who receive the support.
“It’s hard to focus on learning if your feet hurt. A good pair of shoes gives a student comfort, confidence, and a sense that someone cares. That matters,” Aft said.
The need has grown steadily across the region. Schools often send urgent requests during the colder months, when families are typically experiencing financial strain. The rising cost of living has pushed more and more students into the referral process. Community generosity has allowed Go the Extra Mile Today to keep pace, but meeting the need consistently and quickly requires steady financial support.
“We want people to understand that when they donate, they are not just helping to buy shoes. They are helping us to keep this nonprofit strong enough to serve three counties each year. The coordination, the behind-the-scenes work, the rising demand. All of it is part of what makes the Shoe Fund possible. We couldn’t do this without the support of the community,” said Mary Jo Dyre, community advocate and marketing director of Steven Aft State Farm.
As this year winds down to the end and a new semester approaches, Go the Extra Mile Today is asking the community to consider supporting the Shoe Fund in their community. Every donation stays local and is used throughout the year for students in Cherokee, Clay and Graham counties.
“Even one gift can make a difference. There is nothing small about helping a student feel ready to walk into school with dignity and pride,” Aft said.
Details: Donations for the Shoe Fund are accepted year-round and can be made to either Cherokee County Schools, Clay County Schools, or Graham County Schools at gotheextramiletoday.org/shoefund. They can also be mailed to Go the Extra Mile Today, P.O. Box 279, Murphy, NC 28906. Make checks to Cherokee County Schools Shoe Fund, Clay County Schools Shoe Fund or Graham County Schools Shoe Fund.