CLEARFIELD—Kindergarteners at South Clearfield and Fremont Elementary schools were surprised on Monday when they followed the sound of bells to the library where elves had left new shoes for them to pick from. The annual tradition started several years ago at Wasatch Elementary and has grown from there. 

Davis Education Foundation partnered with Mountain America Credit Union to purchase the shoes through the national organization Operation Warm that is dedicated to providing coats and shoes to children in need, a release said.

The fun began with a kindergarten teacher reading to the children “The Elves and the Shoemaker,” a book about three generous elves that help a shoemaker. When the story was finished the bells started ringing and the kids headed to the library.

South Clearfield Elementary is a Title I school which means a large portion of the families are low income, according to the district. Receiving new shoes is a rarity for many students so the donation is especially meaningful.

“What’s better than new shoes and socks?” said South Clearfield Elementary Principal Robert Kinghorn. “It’s always exciting when we can provide shoes for all of our kindergarten students. This initiative has grown over the years to ensure more students will be getting new shoes. This is all because of the love and donations from the amazing partnerships we have through the Davis Education Foundation.”

There were 110 students served at South Clearfield and 33 at Fremont. Fremont’s initiative was sponsored by Tanner Clinic and Davis Education Foundation.

“This initiative is special to everyone involved,” said Jodi Lunt, Davis Education Foundation Executive Director. “We are so grateful to our partners at Mountain America Credit Union for making this possible for kids in need. Watching the students’ faces and hearing their reactions is absolutely priceless – it represents everything Christmas magic is supposed to be.”