For needy children, something as simple as adequate shoes can be out of reach.

Thanks to the generosity of local residents in Talladega and St. Clair counties, though, many children in our area don’t have to worry about that.

The Daily Home and Salvation Army are kicking off our annual Shoes for Christmas fundraising drive, which works to provide new shoes for children here.

Last year, residents and businesses donated more than $9,500, which helped out 384 kids.

We appreciate such generosity and can’t stress enough the kind of difference it makes in these children’s lives.

Donations are taken until a week before the children are dismissed for Christmas break and can be made at any of the Daily Home offices or may be mailed in to our offices.

There is no reason children here should have to go without something as basic as shoes, and we are grateful for everything people in the area do to make Shoes for Christmas a success each year.

Thank you.