Happy Feet

Andrea Delbanco, Time Magazine for Kids

Ron Hunter goes barefoot so others don't have to. The basketball coach at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis works with Samaritan's Feet. The charity gives shoes to children in the U.S. and around the world.

For Hunter, the program is about more than shoes. "It's about hope," he says. Hunter was one of the first college coaches to team up with Samaritan's Feet. He coached a game barefoot to support the group last year. This year, more than 500 coaches joined Hunter in the Barefoot for a Cause campaign. They coach a game in bare feet to remind people that some kids have no shoes.

Indiana governor Mitch Daniels declared January 16 Barefoot Day in the state. Three days later, Samaritan's Feet gave away more than 1,000 pairs of shoes in Indianapolis. "It's not just a matter of handing the shoes out," says Todd Melloh of Samaritan's Feet. "We tell people that we love them and care about them." Those who give shoes learn a lesson in service. Those who receive shoes walk forward into a brighter future.

Samaritan's Feet is planning more shoe drives in the U.S. "A lot of families have to choose between groceries and clothes for their kids," Melloh told TFK. "Every shoe we raise makes a difference." Visit samaritansfeet.org to get involved.