Teacher launches program to give shoes to students
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TRISHA MURPHY/Palatka Daily News – Joannie Millan, back right, and her daughter, Jileyshka Rodriguez, 17, back left, sit with some of the children in the One in a Mellon Learning Center daycare with donated shoes that will be given to students in need.
Santa may not be wearing new sneakers this Christmas, but some students at One in a Mellon Learning Center will.
Joannie Millan and her children, Jileyshka Rodriguez, 17, and Anthony Rodriguez, 13, started Sneakers for Santa this year to help students in need.
According to Millan, the mission behind the project is simple.
“We wanted to bring smiles to these kids in need. And not only that, but we want these students to feel comfortable and confident,” said Millan, who opened the One in a Mellon Learning Center daycare three years ago.
So far, the Sneakers for Santa has collected 15 pairs of shoes for Exceptional Student Education students at the school.
“We do not have a specific number of sneakers we are collecting,” said Millan, the organizer of the event. “We just want to provide sneakers for the students in need.”
Currently, Millan said, there is a specific need for two pairs of men’s size 7 sneakers.
“Our parents at One in a Mellon Learning Center have always been beyond thoughtful and helpful,” Millan said. “Most of them are teachers themselves and are able to witness the needs of students.”
Millan believes it is important for students to be a part of this project despite their young age because they are blessed and need a chance to bless others.
“Our students are loving, caring and willing to help at their young age, and they are excited to be able to give,” she said.
Students receiving sneakers will get them in a Christmas gift bag Dec. 21. Any sneakers leftover will be given to the school’s front office to distribute to students as a need arises.
“As a teacher, my main goal is to make sure my students grow academically and as people in today’s world,” Millan said. “It is important for me that my students’ needs are taken care of and that they always feel loved, cared for, heard and safe.”
Anyone interested in donating new or slightly used shoes to Sneakers for Santa can drop them off at One in a Mellon Learning Center, 301 Mellon Road in Palatka. Monetary donations can be made to Cash App at $shoes4santa.
“I feel this project is a good one because there are multiple, wonderful events taking place to ensure that children have things such as toys for Christmas,” Millan said. “I think it is important that children also have their basic needs met.”
Millan added that she believes Sneakers for Santa will bring joy and basic necessities to children during this holiday season.
“I hope people who donate feel happy about it,” she said, “and know they are a part of something great.”
