A local church has created a mission out of making sure area students can walk into school with an extra spring in their step.

Kingfisher First Christian Church has been operating its “Shoe Our Children” program since 2012, providing a new pair of shoes to students in pre-K through 12th grades.

Last year, economic challenges brought on by the pandemic doubled the number of students who needed the extra help, organizer Debi Trout said.

“We purchased shoes for over 160 children last year,” she said.

This year’s qualifying families will be allotted $25 per child to purchase shoes, socks and undergarments during special shopping events this Tuesday and Thursday at the Kingfisher WalMart, Trout said.

Church members will be on hand to greet the children in the shoe department.