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Longfellow Running Club gets new kicks

Longfellow Running Club has been putting on the miles and their efforts have been noticed by Movin’ Shoes of Madison.

Movin’ Shoes is a athletic shoe store that promotes fitness, sponsors runs and recycles shoes.

I met two of the store managers last summer when the Clintonville/Marion RECESS (Rural Educators Collaborating to Enhance Student Success) class presented their action research projects at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Shalon and Karl (from Movin’ Shoes) were nearly as excited about Longfellow Running Club as we were! They said that they would find a way to help us during our second season of running.

Movin’ Shoes actually recycles shoes in two ways. First, they collect worn shoes and the rubber is recycled to make rubberized tracks at schools. Secondly, they accept shoes that were purchased and then returned. Then they donate these shoes to needy causes.

Longfellow Running Club was the recipient of Movin’ Shoes’ generosity. Last week, 50 pair of running shoes were delivered to Longfellow Elementary School – for our running club! This is amazing and the value of this donation is incredible. The majority of sizes were larger, so we were able to fit the older runners in our club. Currently, we are continuing to seek other sponsors/grants so that we can fit all of our younger runners in a new pair of shoes as well.

Longfellow Running Club kids have been on the receiving end in many ways: Wisconsin Retired Educators Association grant for $2,000, ING Run for Something Better grant for $1,000, free orange shoe laces, 50 pair of tennis shoes from Movin’ Shoes, parents that arrange morning schedules, and 12 volunteer coaches.

Longfellow Running Club kids are now taking their turn at giving to others. Last week they started a food drive and are collecting food items through Tuesday. They will be taking their collection to the Clintonville Food Pantry – just in time for Thanksgiving. Our kids know that even kids can make a big difference in the lives of others. They also are learning that it is their duty as a responsible citizen to help those around them. We sure have a great group of kids to work with!

Longfellow Running Club will be participating in their first run of the season. It is on Sunday, Nov. 26 in West De Pere. It is the Noodleini 5K run (3.1 miles), which is sponsored by Noodles & Co. We have 81 runners signed up for the event. This is great! Our runners have been working hard and are looking forward to competing.

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