Students at Kirk Elementary School receive new shoes

A group of students at Kirk Elementary school received a surprise Thursday afternoon that will make a life for them much more comfortable.

Each one was specifically selected to receive a brand new pair of shoes.

"There are a lot of children in Fresno that are very well deserving and might not have the financial resources to have brand new backpacks and school supplies when school starts or to come to school with shoes that don't fit," said Assisteens Advisor Dorothy Torosian.

The non-profit group of high school students from throughout the Central Valley works with different organizations and schools to help those in need.

"Those Assisteens went out and purchased those shoes with their own money and we had such a great response. Kids were asking me well we want to purchase shoes too and so then they just purchased any kinds of sizes," said Torosian.

Assisteens worked with teachers and staff at Kirk Elementary to find students who needed a new pair of shoes and in what size.

Sixth graders Angela Whatley and Deanna Redwine were two of the 40 students selected.

"It made me really happy because myself I only get two new pairs of shoes a school year," said Deanna Redwine.

"Well it is good for me because when you play sports your shoes might wear out and you might get hurt without wearing shoes," said Angela Whatley.

In all the Assisteens donated 80 pairs of shoes.

The remaining shoes will be handed out to others who need a pair through the rest of the school year.