Clarkston, Thank You!!
Magically, Santa and Mrs. Claus made a very special appearance at Renaissance High School on Saturday, November 11th.
The Rotary Club of Clarkston held its annual “Shoes for Kids” program benefiting Clarkston school children. 
This year 508 Clarkston School children were invited to receive new shoes, winter boots, hats, and gloves from our Rotary Club.
The day began with Santa greeting them with a HOHOHO!! that is probably still reverberating through the school’s hallways.
Each child showed their enthusiasm when picking out a certain style, color, or character shoe.
Volunteers will attest to seeing the smiles and laughter all day long.
 
Volunteers worked tirelessly from 9 AM until the last kids left after 3:30 PM.
Then it is time to pack up and return it to Renaissance High.Kudos to Superintendent Shawn Ryan and Renaissance High Principal
Gary Bigger for making our transition to RHS seamless.
 
Local service groups participating included the Clarkston Optimist Club’s Opti-Socks program and the Clarkston Area Lions Club KidSight free eye exams.
The CIDL provided books for the entire family. Local dentists graciously donated dental hygiene products.
 
The Rotary Club of Clarkston has sold a Goodfellow type newspaper in Clarkston since its chartering in 1940.
For the past forty-five years donations have been earmarked specifically for “Shoes for Kids.”
Over the past twenty-five years over thirteen thousand Clarkston children have benefited from the support and donations provided by people who make Clarkston a place where people want to live.
 
A special thank you to the Clarkston Community Schools, Superintendent Shawn Ryan, Staci Puzio and entire school staff.To Renaissance High and Principal Gary Bigger.
 
Santa and Mrs. Claus, Melvin and Alaina Hawley for helping make the dreams of the children come true.
 
To Bill Bertakis Photography and his staff for capturing a special moment for the families. Patti Engineering, Sam and Patti Hoff for making the magical family photos possible.
Also to all the Clarkston businesses and individuals working behind the scenes who make SFK possible every year.
Especially to the over 300 volunteers who efforts and time made “Shoes for Kids” a reality again this year. To all the people who stopped and donated allowing Shoes for Kids to be possible.
 
Thank You Clarkston!!
For making 2023 Shoes for Kids another successful year.
Respectfully,
The Rotary Club of Clarkston