FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
State Rep. Mike Carroll D-Luzerne/Monroe www.pahouse.com/carroll State Rep. John Siptroth D-Monroe/Pike www.pahouse.com/Siptroth

Carroll, Siptroth join Blue Ridge TV13 drive to send shoes to needy children

HARRISBURG, Nov. 20 – State Reps. Mike Carroll, D-Luzerne/Monroe, and John Siptroth, D-Monroe, today joined with Blue Ridge Communications TV13 to package nearly 5,000 pairs of shoes donated by the community as part of the annual "Let Them Walk in Our Shoes" drive.  

The shoes, along with other items collected such as hats, scarves, gloves, school supplies and books, will be sent to U.S. soldiers serving overseas, who will distribute them to needy children throughout locations in Afghanistan, Iraq and Jordan. Shoes will also be sent to a school near an Apache Native American reservation in Arizona.

"It's easy for us to sometimes take for granted how good we have things here, but there are many – both children and adults – who aren't so lucky," Carroll said. "This unique program lets our community truly 'walk in the shoes' of those who are less fortunate. I am overwhelmed by the generosity and selflessness of the many, many people in this community who took the time to donate and help with this collection. It’s an honor being involved with this project."

Siptroth said, "The world seems so big sometimes, and our differences so vast, but a program like this makes us realize that we are in this together and we CAN make a difference in the life of someone on the other side of the globe. This drive is truly a community effort and the generosity of the people in this region has been amazing."

In addition to the children's shoes, the community also donated items such as chewing gum, snacks and coffee for the soldiers serving overseas. The Lehighton National Guard Armory is assisting the effort by storing and transporting the shipments overseas.

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