CHRISTMAS SPIRIT: SHOES AT CHRISTMAS BECOME A TRADITION

Charlie Lottes of Rozier's Mercantile in Perryville remembers the day 10 years ago when someone from Cottonwood Residential Treatment Center asked for a donation of children's shoes.

A pair of name-brand tennis shoes seemed such a simple request for children going through a rough time. "We decided, if we could swing it, we would give pairs for each and every one of them," Lottes said.

Rozier's Mercantile has been giving tennis shoes to the children at Cottonwood each year since.

Cottonwood, in Cape Girardeau, treats children ages 6 to 17 with emotional disturbances or behavioral disorders. It is operated through Missouri's Department of Mental Health.

Rozier's and Lottes receive high praise from the children and staff at Cottonwood.

"He's wonderful. They are wonderful," said Martha Cassel, director.

"They don't just give the kids a pair of shoes. They give them the pair of shoes they want," she explained. "As much as you'd like to believe clothes don't make a difference, something new and nice makes them feel better about themselves. It's great for their self esteem."

Each year children at the center decide what type of shoes they would prefer: Adidias, Nike, Fila, or others. A list of each child's preference and shoe size is faxed to the Mercantile.

Lottes and his staff go to work.

They scout out the right shoes for each child, sometimes special ordering sizes or styles. Most of the shoes retail for about $65 per pair.

The gift comes from the store, which doesn't request discounts or participation from the shoe companies. "It's strictly something out-of-pocket from the company," Lottes said. "It's something we want to do."

The shoes are gift wrapped and delivered to Cottonwood.

"It's a pleasure working with the people at Cottonwood," Lottes said. "We make a good time of it."

Over the years the store has provided between 25 and 30 pairs of shoes annually. For a few years Optimist clubs in Jackson and Perryville helped financially with the project.

This year's shoe investment was about $1,800. The value to children was much higher, Cassel said.

"It's a wonderful present," Cassel said. "The kids just love them. These are children who are having a tough time," Cassel said. "Some of the children won't be with their families over the holidays."

Lottes said: "These kids all have been through enough as it is. I can't think of a better place to put shoes or money than Cottonwood. We hope to do it as long as we can."