ROCKFORD (WIFR) – Hundreds of local students will now be able to play in gym class thanks to our community. The kids were forced to sit out because they didn’t have the right shoes, some hitting the hardwood in flip flops and boots.

“They feel so comfortable and warm! I feel like they protect me, yeah, they protect me.”

That’s why volunteers with an organization called Annie’s Locker are stepping in to help. The group collected 900 pairs of shoes for children living in poverty. Today, 300 kids at King Elementary School got to try them on, some saying they have never been so excited and that “life is getting better.”

“I only get a new pair of shoes once a year probably, and I don’t really have sneakers.”