LIFE

Colts for the win: Players work with LIDS to fit kids with new shoes, hats, gloves

IndyStar

Blue, the Colts mascot, poses with kids during the Cold Feet, Warm Shoes & Hats event sponsored by Lids and the colts, as a benefit for kids including these at IPS School 63, Indianapolis, Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017.

The tiny humans' eyes grew wide as they walked into the gymnasium to the roar of applause and cheers.

These little pre-kindergarten kids at IPS #63 didn't know what to make of the fanfare that accompanied their entrance. But they were in for a treat.

Principal Paul Wirth watched with a smile as the youngest of his students wrapped their arms around Colts mascot Blue. Then community partners LIDS Sports Group, Journeys and the Colts did their best to wrap their arms around the 500 children at a school where poverty is a fact of life.

"They're getting an awesome surprise today," Wirth said of his students in pre-k through seventh grade. "Resources can be scarce for our families, and here they get an opportunity to get new shoes, a hat and gloves right before it gets cold."

More than 100 volunteers from Zionsville-based LIDS and its parent company Genesco Inc. convened at Wendell Phillips School 63, 1163 N. Belmont Ave., for the 12th annual Cold Feet, Warm Shoes & Hats event Tuesday. The volunteers set up a "store" in the gym, filled with hats, gloves, shoes, Colts swag and snacks.

Colts practice squad player Isaiah Williams fits a student for new Converse shoes at IPS #63.

Colts safety Darius Butler was among several players fitting kids with new pairs of Converse sneakers. He couldn't have asked for a better job on his day off.

"Interacting with little kids is the best," he told me during a lull in activity. "They’re always so full of life, open and honest."

For Butler, being able to put a smile on a kid's face, especially this time of year, is a gift itself. And new kicks are always cool, says the guy who has more than his share of shoes.

"Getting new shoes never gets old. I love seeing anybody get a new pair of shoes."

Volunteer Kristina Comer was working the hat wall as the students entered the gym.

"One of the kids asked for an extra hat and gloves for his sister at home," she said, and she didn't think twice about handing over the extra set. "He's receiving and he wants to give to somebody else."

Comer, marketing retail coordinator for LIDS, said this is the second year she's volunteered for the program. "This so exciting for the kids, but the memories are the best present for me."

Noteworthy

Shop for Kids: Fifty-one Hamilton County children were rounded up by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office this weekend for its annual Shop for Kids event. Sheriff's deputies and other personnel took the kids shopping at Target in Fishers. Each child received $150 to spend on gifts for themselves and their families. Funds to support Hamilton County Shop for Kids are raised through donations and events throughout the year.

Children from Ruth Lilly Women and Children’s Center received STEM toys, other gifts and a winter wonderland-themed party from Amazon’s Treasure Truck in Indianapolis. The surprise visit on Thursday evening was part of Amazon’s 30-city #DeliveringSmiles tour taking place throughout the holiday season. Throughout the tour, Amazon will donate more than $500,000 in gifts and cash donations to nonprofit organizations providing services to children and families in immediate need.

Special delivery: Amazon's Treasure Truck delivered smiles to women and children in need at The Salvation Army Ruth Lilly Women & Children's Center this week. The surprise delivery was one of more than 30 stops nationwide to nonprofits in cities where Amazon employees live and work. Educational toys, household items and gifts totaling $15,000 were donated to the Indianapolis center. For every mile Amazon Treasure Trucks travel this month, the company will donate $1 to the National Alliance to End Homelessness. Shop at smile.amazon.com this holiday season to give back to your favorite organization.

Help for holidays: Janet Easley had barely caught her breath after feeding nearly 10,000 people at Thanksgiving when she turned her attention to Christmas. Each year, Easley and a team of volunteers organize Thanksgiving dinner through Watkins Family Center, 2360 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. This year, the grandmother has decided to help families in need at Christmas as well. Turkeys and hams will be handed out at the center from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 23. To donate, call Easley at (317) 709-0984 or Bobbie Jones, (317) 635-1242.

Workout for good: UFit and several small businesses are hosting a workout-a-thon to benefit Volunteers of America Indiana. The Kids Christmas BeneFIT will be from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 16 at UFit, 300 Commerce Parkway West Drive, Greenwood. Proceeds from the $50 entry fee will help provide toys, clothes and meals for kids, many of whom have mothers going through addiction treatment at Fresh Start Recovery Center. Get tickets at https://bidr.co/events/ufit.

Call IndyStar reporter Maureen Gilmer at (317) 444-6879. Email: maureen.gilmer@indystar.com. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter.