Bridge Church’s Summer Shoe Giveaway Brings Joy to Local Children

Students as Oskaloosa Elementary School received a new pair of shoes courtesy of ‘The Bridge Church’. (photo provided)

Oskaloosa, IA — The Bridge Church in Oskaloosa has once again demonstrated its dedication to the community by organizing a shoe giveaway for local children, ensuring they have new footwear just in time for summer. This initiative, led by Pastor Darik Kooistra, aims to show children they are seen and loved.

“We love Osky and we want every kid to know God loves them, sees them, and has gifts He wants to give them!” said Pastor Kooistra. “We target May because a lot of kids get shoes going into the school year and we want them to have shoes they can enjoy for summer!”

Every third grader in the area received new shoes, sparking excitement among the young recipients. McKinley Trainer expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “I’m excited because I don’t really have a brand new pair of tennis shoes. I have some tennis shoes, but they’re dirty.”

Another student, Leighton Van Renterghem, expressed his gratitude: “I just think it’s really thankful that the church got to give us donated free shoes.” Leighton plans to use his new shoes for outdoor activities such as fishing and hiking.

Jade Hildenbrand appreciated the ease and comfort of her new shoes, stating, “What I like about them is that they’re for free and that they’re just really easy to slip on.” Jade also received flip-flops and socks, adding to her excitement for summer adventures.

Carrie Murphy, a third-grade teacher, highlighted the perfect timing of the shoe giveaway. “For them to have a fresh new pair of shoes and not worry about them getting too small or just like worn down from the school year, it’s just a perfect time,” she said. Murphy noted the children’s anticipation and joy, sharing that “the excitement and the smiles and like the giggles of jumping up and down” were heartwarming to witness.

Pastor Kooistra credited the success of the event to the generosity of the church community. “We have such a generous church and any giving that goes above and beyond the tithe is given to a fund we call ‘Kingdom Builders’. This fund pays for things like the Christmas Store, our missions trips, and the Shoe Giveaway!”