Left to Right: Kris Horlacher, Executive Director, Shoes 4 the Shoeless, and Andy Clements, Vandalia Branch Manager, Minster Bank
In the heart of winter, while frost painted the windows and cold winds swept across West Central Ohio, there was warmth and generosity brewing within the walls of Minster Bank. Throughout January, the bank’s employees came together, in jeans and sneakers, all for a greater cause.
Under the banner of “Casual for a Cause,” a program deeply embedded in Minster Bank’s corporate culture, employees shed their formal attire in exchange for the opportunity to give back to their community. This month, their hearts were set on fighting childhood poverty, and the chosen champion was Shoes 4 the Shoeless.
Nominated by Susan Bergman, Minster Bank’s Marketing Manager, the decision to support Shoes 4 the Shoeless was more than just a random choice. “I’ve followed and personally supported this mission for years,” Susan shared. “The stories they share are incredible, and I’m thrilled that we could contribute to their cause on a larger scale.”
Shoes 4 the Shoeless, a Dayton-based nonprofit, provides new, properly fitting shoes and socks to Ohio children in dire need. Founded by Kris Horlacher in 2007, the program has grown leaps and bounds, now serving 14 Ohio counties and delivering over 160,000 pairs of shoes and socks. Kris dreams of expanding their reach, aiming to set up a second hub in Cincinnati, and donations like Minster Bank’s bring that dream closer to reality.
The impact of ill-fitting shoes on children goes beyond mere discomfort; it can lead to physical, social, and emotional struggles that last a lifetime. With a unique and efficient school-based system, Shoes 4 the Shoeless ensures that children have access to the proper footwear they need to thrive.
Andy Clements, the Vandalia Branch Manager at Minster Bank, applauded Kris and her team for their invaluable work in the community. “They run an efficient and vital program,” Andy stated. “We’re thrilled to contribute to this cause, which aligns perfectly with our mission to promote financial security through community-based literacy programs and education.”
But for Minster Bank, participating in Casual for a Cause isn’t just about donning casual attire; it’s about lifting up the community, nurturing a culture of empathy, and creating tangible change in the lives of others. This donation underscores Minster Bank’s unwavering commitment to supporting local initiatives and embracing its role as a responsible corporate citizen.
What to get involved and donate to this great cause? Visit Shoes 4 the Shoeless for more information!
