By Tawny Martel Galligan

Special to the Journal

The realtors and staff of Windermere San Juan Island are at it again, helping to make a positive difference in our island community.

On Augu. 1, in conjunction with Windermere Corporate, the “Kicks for Kids” Sneaker Drive was put into action.

Last Friday, with the first donation from the Martin Hulse Family of San Juan Island, the Windermere SJI crew began a collection of children’s shoes, sizes 1-9, for island families.

The event continues until the “Last Round-Up Saturday,” Aug. 16, at the San Juan County Fair.

All shoes collected through the Windermere San Juan Island office will be delivered on Aug. 18 to the San Juan Island Family Resource Center and distributed to island families in need, seeing to a new pair of shoes for every child on the first day of school.

“Studies show that when kids feel good about their appearance, it improves both their self-esteem and their performance in school,” said OB Jacobi, president of Windermere Real Estate. “We think every child deserves to start the school year on the right foot, so with the public’s help, we’re determined to make that happen for as many kids as possible.”

To participate in the Kicks for Kids event, please drop off new or gently used children’s shoes, sizes 1-9, to a collection box; found in our office on Spring Street, or at the San Juan County Fair from Aug. 13-16. Look for the Kicks for Kids logo and collection box.

For information on how to donate sneakers or funds for sneakers contact Gary Franklin at the Windermere office, 360-378-3600, our event page on Facebook.