PORT JERVIS – A shoe collection
drive spearheaded by the Tri-State Chamber of Commerce has seen results
far beyond their wildest imaginations. Some 1,000 pairs of shoes have
been donated by groups and individuals to be distributed to children in
need this holiday season.
The shoe drive was held in memory of Port Jervis shoemaker Josef Kucher,
77, who was robbed and beaten to death in his shop two years ago.
Chamber President Charlene Trotter said they never expected the level
of support for the shoe drive.
“The biggest lesson that we learned is you can never underestimate
the love and generosity of people locally and that is the one blessing
that we have from the shoe drive and a lot of children are going to benefit
from that,” she said.
The Port Jervis High School Honor Society conducted a shoes within the
school district and collected/purchased 155 pairs of shoes.
All of the donated shoes are being distributed to the children who need
them through Head Start, Easter Seals, the Salvation Army, churches and
people who know families and recommended them directly.
Trotter said because of the success, the Kucher’s Kids Shoe Drive
will be held annually.
