MHS Junior/Macomb Youth Leadership Organization Student Giving back to the community is nothing new to Jimmie Koller, owner of Brown’s Shoe Fit in Macomb, nor Macomb’s Noon Rotary. Because of their commitment to Macomb, Koller and the service organization have teamed up to put shoes on the feet of local children in need.
Four years ago, Koller created the Macomb Shoe Fund after an anonymous donor approached him and provided $2,000 to buy 50 pairs of tennis shoes for children in Macomb. Edison School Social Worker Chandler Adkisson identified students in grades K-5 who were in need of new shoes, and from there, the program was off and running. This year, after a brief mention of the program to Noon Rotary Club Program Chair Todd Lester, which led to a more in-depth discussion with Lester and Noon Rotary President Seth Minter, Koller presented the program to the Noon Rotary. As a result, the Rotary has agreed to contribute $500 each year for the next five years, and serve as the repository for donations toward the program. The goal is to raise $2,000 (or more) each year.
“Brown’s is committed to service and the community. There is nothing better than getting a new pair of shoes, and when a kid has new shoes, it helps their confidence and makes them feel like they can go faster,” Koller said. “If we could do this for every kid in need, we’d love to do it.”
Adkisson gives Koller the students’ shoe sizes, and from there he picks out shoes, valued at up to $50 each. After the father-of-three picks out just the right shoes, he delivers the bundle to Adkisson to distribute. If necessary, Koller will measure a student’s foot to ensure that they get just the right fit.
“I’m a big advocate for our community and I want to support the community,” he added. “You never want to see a kid go without something they must have… and shoes are a need. And doing this reflects the kind of person I am and what I believe in. I’m also working with some of our vendors to see how we can get them more involved. I’m excited to see how we can do more for the children of Macomb.”
Todd Lester, Noon Rotary program chair, said after the meeting with Koller and taking the idea to the Rotary’s Board of Directors, the Rotary Club was all in.
“It’s not hard to support and help out our children whenever it’s possible,” Lester said.
If you would like to donate, make checks payable to the Rotary Club (mention Shoe Fund in memo), and send to Rotary Club of Macomb, PO Box 213, Macomb, IL 61455.
In addition to establishing the Macomb Shoe Fund, Koller, who recently celebrated his 20th anniversary as the Macomb Brown’s owner, continues to give to other community initiatives, such as WIU’s Alpha Gamma Rho’s Smokin’ Hog, which in turn contributes the proceeds from that annual event to non-profits in the Macomb region; the Macomb Park District; Macomb After-Prom; the annual MHS Bomber Card; Kids Run the Nation via Memorial Hospital; special fit days for medical staff at Graham and OSF health care organizations and more.
Koller has also been a supporter of such events in the region as “Push for Parks,” Macomb, West Prairie and Bushnell athletic fundraisers and school after-proms, WIU’s Purple & Gold and Leatherneck Club, Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce, youth sports teams and a variety of benefits and events.
“Our company motto is ‘With You Every Step,’ and that’s why I try to do. Not only do I work with my customers to ensure their needs are met, I’m with them in the community,” he added. “My parents were very generous people and they instilled in me to help out when you can, so that’s what I try to do.”
Jimmie Koller, owner of Brown’s Shoe Fit in Macomb
