Community Steps helping kids start school year off with some new kicks

Thanks to a partnership between the Mt. Iron Fire Department and the United Way of NE Minnesota, the Community Steps program continues to grow.

Kids picked out a pair of brand new athletic shoes on Tuesday night at Famous Footwear, at no cost to the families.

Laura Thro, the Community Outreach Coordinator for the Mt. Iron Fire Department, told us, “The heart of community steps is helping students and families know community is with them every step of the way.”

Police officers and others like to stop by and help during the shopping.

Joe Casey, an officer from Hibbing PD, said, “It’s fun to do stuff like that. Kids have a positive experience with law enforcement.”

His co-worker, Officer Ashley Johnson, added, “Honestly, it feels really good. The kids run extra fast when they pick out light-up shoes.”

Families also got to eat a nice BBQ dinner and ride on some fire trucks.

Wednesday is another shoe night, along with the final one on Tuesday the 22nd.

This is the third year of Community Steps in Mt. Iron, and they’ve helped nearly 600 kids.

The Community Steps program helped kids in International Falls this year as well.