By Hub City Times staff

MARSHFIELD — Dozens of area kids have new clothes and shoes for back-to-school, thanks to the efforts of some Marshfield volunteer groups.

The efforts of a Leadership Marshfield team culminated yesterday with its initiative entitled “Best First Day.” The group teamed up with Cheryl Hartl of Soup or Socks Food Pantry and Clothes Closet Aug. 8 to hand out clothes and shoes which the Leadership team spent the past few months collecting, to give to qualifying families in the area.

“They all got at least two or three new outfits, new shoes, new socks, new underwear, and some other goodies for the first day of school,” Hartl explained.

The first day of school is of particular importance for all children.  It’s the day they embark on meeting new friends, embrace exciting learning opportunities, and grow as individuals.  Beginning that day with new shoes and proper clothing are basics that give children confidence, ultimately aiding in their education and future. But there are times that not all families can afford it. And that’s why families like Tim and Theresa Luchterhand and their three children from Granton were thankful for yesterday’s event.

“It means a lot,” Theresa said. “Sometimes it’s hard and this helped out a lot. The shoes were awesome. The shoes help out a lot and jeans, because they go through clothes pretty fast, growing fast, and burning knees out all of the time. So, it works really well.”

As a United Way Partner, Hartl says Soup or Socks can use the names of those families who qualify for the Nutrition on Weekends program to also outfit those children for the upcoming school year.

Over 80 kids were served through the event.

The Leadership team consisted of Chase Gomez , Kathy Leick, Jen Morrow, Mike Warren, and Tammie Willfahrt.