By Aidan Mortensen | KOAL News 

The Price City Peace Gardens were packed full on Saturday, Aug. 16, as the United Way of Eastern Utah hosted its annual ‘Soles2Souls’ pop-up shoe shop. Giving children a free pair of shoes to kick off the school year, the nonprofit was able to give away 221 pairs of shoes.

“This year marked the fourth Soles2Souls event we have hosted, and we continue to hear from parents that this effort lessens the financial burden of back-to-school costs,” said UWEU Executive Director Pam Boyd. “As for the kiddos themselves, their smiles really say in all. When you fit a child with a new pair of shoes, you really are giving him or her a solid foundation for success in the school year ahead.”

Not only were children able to receive a free pair of shoes, but they were sized to allow midyear growth for students, ensuring a comfortable footwear experience throughout the academic year.

In addition to receiving shoes, Ascension St. Matthews Church sponsored a coat giveaway at the event. “Approximately 100 local kids took home gently used coats, which had been collected and washed by members of the congregation,” reads a release from the UWEU.

The event attracted support from businesses across the Castle Country. The new Amazon delivery station site in Price donated $1500 to the cause, allowing the UWEU to purchase 100 pairs of shoes for the event. Big Dave in the Morning from Castle Country Radio hosted a remote broadcast from the event, adding to the festival atmosphere downtown.

The United Way now makes its way to Blanding to host a second ‘Soles2Souls’ event on Saturday, Sept. 20. The organization will also play host to the Day of Caring on Saturday, Sept. 6.