Washougal students get new shoes through Shoe-a-palooza

WASHOUGAL — The annual Shoe-a-palooza event held on June 9 at Hathaway Elementary School was a success. One pair of shoes for each student were sourced through Operation Warm and funded by a local nonprofit. The value of 260 pairs of shoes ordered by families was close to $6,000. “I am thrilled for this opportunity for our families,” said Principal Wendy Morrill. “It has been a challenging year and this type of event sends a message of hope and that life is coming back to normal. The school is reopened and providing resources for our families again.” All families received a form to order their child’s shoe size. The shoes were organized by grade level on tables to be picked up and tried on. Students who missed the event had shoes sent home with them the following day. “In my experience shoes are in high demand from our families,” said Penelope Porche, Washougal School District family resource coordinator. “Children are always growing and needing new ones.”