Sturgis students receive winter boots

Seventy-five Sturgis children will be more well-equipped to handle cold weather thanks to the annual “Boots & Shoes” giveaway, which took place last week in downtown Sturgis.

The benevolent gesture involves a couple of Sturgis-based clubs coming together: the local Elks and Sturgis Kiwanis, along with members of Key Club, an arm of Kiwanis Club at Sturgis High School.

The process began prior to Thanksgiving with a list of children provided by Sturgis’ K-2 teachers, said Elks member Scott Boland, who organizes the Elks portion of the event along with his wife, Natalie.

Children are invited to go downtown to Willer’s Shoes, where they are fitted for a new pair of either boots or shoes. Willer’s provides the footwear at or below cost to Sturgis Elks, said owner Todd Maynard.

Pizza was provided by Mike’s Pizza at a discounted price.