Springfield, IL  (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Around 20 students received a new pair of shoes and socks Monday as part of SIU School of Medicine’s annual “Shoes That Fit” event at Enos Elementary School.

SIU Medical students raise funds within SIU School of Medicine and purchase the shoes as part of the national Shoes That Fit program, whose mission is to give shoes to underprivileged children. Staff at the respective schools identify students needing new shoes, measure their feet and send sizes to medical students, who purchase the shoes and socks using donations. Since 2007, the medical school has provided more than 1,250 pairs of shoes to area students.

Shoes are not the only essential item students at Enos Elementary School are in need of. Aisha Stemmons, the Family and Community Engagement Liaison for the school, states they are also in desperate need of coats, sizes ranging from 5/6 to 16/18 or small men’s and women’s coats, hats and gloves. Any donations can be dropped off at the school, which is located at 524 W. Elliott Ave in Springfield.