LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – A nationwide shoe program is helping local children.

Church Women United, or CWU, is a national volunteer Christian ecumenical women's movement initiated and carried out by women in the United States and Puerto Rico since 1941.

In 1998, Natalie Mitchell of CWU was asked if she could sponsor shoes for children in need in Lake County. This was the beginning of the Natalie Mitchell Shoes for School Children Program. 

Lake County Council of Church Women United is the fundraising coordinator for this program, which since 2010 has provided shoes and socks to Lake County children, from birth to age 18.

The group is a nonprofit organization with no salary employees. All funds collected are used for the shoe program.

Church Women United provide gift certificates redeemable at Kmart on Main Street in Lakeport. 

Partnering with Healthy Start through the Lake County Office of Education, referrals from all Lake County schools are submitted to CWU for vouchers.

The organization's purpose is to provide shoes and socks to all needy school children.

With the recent fires, changes in households and or income, the challenges are numerous. The need for support is crucial to the well-being and emotional health of children at this time.

The organization is asking for the community's support.

Donations can be mailed to Lake County Council of Church Women United, P.O. Box 3104, Clearlake, CA 95422.

For more information call 707-799-6062.