On the “heels” of a successful shoe distribution to children enrolled in five Little Rock partner schools, officials with UALR Children International are hopeful the recipients remain active this winter.

“We are using the shoes as part of a larger health education/physical fitness initiative by encouraging the children to use the shoes and be active at least 30 minutes every day,” UALR Children International Director Julie Hall said.

The children were provided a pair of athletic shoes to participate in the challenge, which will go through February, according to Hall.

Parents who share photos with Children International officials that show their children wearing the shoes and being active are being entered into a monthly drawing for a prize.

UALR Children International also contributed to the Feeding the Multitude food drive by helping the Union Rescue Mission collect and distribute 950 boxes of food to area residents just in time for Thanksgiving.

“We owe a huge debt of gratitude to all of the UALR faculty, staff, and students who took their time to serve our children and youth. Without their assistance, we couldn’t have served as many children as we did,” said Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator Stephanie Jones of UALR Children International.

The organization is offering plenty of additional opportunities to maintain a spirit of giving this holiday season and help bring joy to youth in need.

For example, new and unwrapped gifts or gift cards appropriate for youth between 9 and 17-years-old are welcome before Dec. 11 and may be dropped off at the UALR Children International office, 2510 Fair Park Blvd., Little Rock. Upcoming events in which volunteers are also sought include:

• Dec. 3 — Preparing coats for distribution during Winterfest
• Dec. 6 — Distributing the coats during Winterfest, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Dec. 11-12 — Gift wrapping for Secret Santa, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Dec. 16-18 — Secret Santa gift giving, 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

For more information on any of these events and how to get involved, contact Jones at 501-663-5541.