The Flint Hills Volunteer Center distributed 400 pairs of children’s shoes on Sept. 7 as part of their 9/11 Day of Remembrance event to help families prepare to send their children back to school, Flint Hills Volunteer Center executive director Lori Bishop said.

“There were 2,997 lives lost on September 11, 2001,” Bishop said. “In 2002, family members of those killed and injured on 9/11 joined with first responders and others to create 9/11 Day to annually and forever encourage all Americans to remember and pay tribute on the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks through acts of service, including volunteerism, and to keep Americans’ promise to ‘Never Forget.’”

Bishop said local first responders fitted the shoes for the children.

“Kids today weren’t even born yet when 9/11 happened, so gathering like this gives us the chance to pass on the lessons of unity, resilience and gratitude,” attendee Amanda Yenzer said. 

According to the Flint Hills Volunteer Center website, attendees were served a picnic by the Riley County Police Department, given a ‘Hope Tote’ with a new pair of socks for their children and first responders brought along their emergency vehicles and equipment for display. 

“The kids especially enjoyed getting to know them [first responders] a little better and having the hands-on experience of exploring the vehicles,” Yenzer said. “The demonstrations, like the bomb equipment and the K-9 unit, were such an added bonus.”

“This meaningful event brings together local first responders and community volunteers,”  Bishop said. “The event highlights the power of community service, with first responders personally fitting each child with a new pair of shoes—fostering both hope and confidence as the school year begins.”