The Kennett Jaycees has been gearing up for this year's Jaycee Shoe Project.

Since 1959 the Kennett Jaycees have taken an active role within the school system to help parents with the cost of their childrens' shoes by furnishing each child who desires a new pair of shoes with exactly that.

On Friday, March 10, the Kennett Jaycees will be delivering shoes to several school kids on behalf of the Jaycees Shoe Project.

Tom Wiley, Jaycees recording secretary and project manager said this year exceeded all expectations.

"We give applications to the local schools and request the teachers determine, using their own judgment, ones who may benefit from our project," Wiley said.

"This is not to say one family is any better than another or that one kid needs more. It is a good way for us to determine who needs the shoes since teachers usually know each child and the circumstances of their family," he said.

"We know that some families have more children than others or a single mother may be trying to raise four kids. We know times get tough and that is when we want to help," Wiley said.

This year the Jaycees will furnish shoes to 185 students ranging from headstart to fifth grade.

"That number almost tripled from last year," Wiley said, adding that last year's project served approximately 68 children.

"The cost was pretty overwhelming, but we pulled together and made sure each request was met," Wiley said.

"We really enjoy this project," he said. "This and the Good Neighbor Project are the guys' favorite because we get to see the effect it has on people and seeing their appreciation makes it all worth our while."

Anyone who wishes to contribute to the future shoe projects can do say by sending monetary donations to: Kennett Jaycees, P.O. Box 165, Kennett, Mo. 63857.