For the past fourteen years, Weber State Credit Union has joined in the giving of the season by providing shoes to kindergarteners at Lincoln and Roy Elementary Schools. This year, the credit union has expanded the Warm the Soles tradition to include Wasatch Elementary (Clearfield) and Lake View Elementary (Brigham City).

Donations for the shoes come from WSCU members who participate in the Skip-a-Payment promotion, as well as community donations through the WSCU Foundation. This event is the highlight of the year, and a favorite for all employees who volunteer their time to make this tradition a magical experience for the children.

Each year, teachers read the story of “The Elves and the Shoemaker” to their students, igniting their imaginations with holiday magic. As the story ends, the students go hunting for the elves and are surprised with brand new shoes. Credit union employees happily help the students try on their shoes, marveling at the look of wonder and gratitude in their eyes.

Mark Johnson, the principal at Lake View Elementary, spoke about his excitement to bring this great tradition to his school for the first time this year: “I am very excited about the upcoming Warm the Soles event.  I can already imagine reactions of our little kindergarten students when they discover their gift.  Our kindergartners are precious and it will be real blessing for them to receive the gift of a new pair of quality shoes.  We have many students here who are facing challenges and any act of love and kindness makes a difference to them.  I am very grateful that Lake View was chosen to be the recipient of this charitable act.  What a way to celebrate Christmas!”

Sara Garff is the mother to one of the children who received shoes for the first time this year at Wasatch Elementary. She shared this sentiment: “This gift was so kind, generous and unexpected. It made such an impact on my son that I truly believe he will still be telling his grandkids about the elves that snuck in his school 70 years from now.”

For those wishing to contribute to this magical tradition, tax-deductible donations can be made at any WSCU Branch or online at www.weberstatecu.com.