What is the Elmhurst Shoe Fund?

It is a local and ecumenical mission project established in 1971 to provide shoes and boots to needy children (birth to age 18) who live in or attend school in Elmhurst.  Some of the families also use the funds to purchase socks.

How is the fund administered? 

Families in need are identified through District 205 school counselors and social workers.  Letters were also sent to the principals at the parochial schools and Salt Creek School.  Families are sent a letter on Bethel UCC letterhead to take to Jemm’s Discount Shoes or Famous Footwear in Elmhurst with a dollar amount to spend based on the number of eligible children.  The fund provides a maximum of $50 per child, and families may receive assistance twice in a calendar year.  Jemm’s gives us 10% discound and no sales tax is charged.  Famous Footwear has great sales and no sales tax is charged.  The bills paid from the two stores for an equal number of pairs of shoes are comparable.

Where does the money come from?

Letters are sent to Elmhurst churches at the end of each calendar year asking for support of the Shoe Fund.  Several local churches are the major donors to the Shoe Fund.  In 2000, Yorkfield Presbyterian Church provided 17% of the funds, First United Methodist Church provided 27%; and Bethel UCC provided 56% of the funds.  Kiwanis Club of Elmhurst, Church Women United, and several individuals have also made donations.

How can I donate funds?

Donations may be sent to Judy Ekblad, Women of Bethel Shoe Fund Chairperson, Bethel UCC, 315 E. St. Charles Rd. Elmhurst, IL  60126.  Checks should be made payable to Elmhurst Shoe Fund or Women of Bethel Shoe Fund.

How many children receive new shoes in a year?

·                    In 1976, 43 pairs of shoes were purchased for $480.31 at an average cost of $11.17/pair.

·                    In 1996, 28 pairs of shoes were purchased for $901.32 at an average cost of $32.19/pair.

·                    In 1997, we purchased 65 pairs for 11 families costing $1691.95 or $26.03 avg./pair.

·                    In 1998, we purchased 34 pairs for 10 families costing $1488.23 or $43.77 avg./pair.

·                    In 1999, we purchased 72 pairs for 18 families costing $2213.57 or $30.74 avg./pair.

·                    In 2000, we purchased 106 pairs for 26 families costing $3506.78 or $33.08 avg./pair.

·                    In 2001, we purchased 106 pairs for 22 families costing $3474.46 or $32.78 avg./pair.