Girl, 11, collecting tennis shoes to donate to hospitals

Carleigh Hofelich is in her 4th year collecting shoes for kids

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Sept. 12, 2016) – The daughter of a Floyd County physician is collecting shoes at two medical facilities, helping to give back to other kids and young adults. Eleven-year-old Carleigh Hofelich is kicking off her annual fundraiser called “Carleigh’s Kicks for Kids,” to help kids in need in Kentucky and Indiana.

Carleigh started the collection drive at the age of 8, when she decided she wanted shoes for her birthday to give to others, rather than a gift for herself. Since then, Carleigh has collected more than 400 shoes.

This is the fourth year for the collection drive, and in the past, Carleigh helped raise funds to buy shoes by stuffing mailboxes asking for donations, and selling old clothes and toys. Drop-off locations will be available this year to help with the drive, which began on Sept. 2 and will end Sept. 30. The new or gently used tennis shoes will be donated to kids at the Kosair Charities Children’s Peace Center at Our Lady of Peace, part of Kentucky One Health.

“It makes me happy to know that other kids will have something to wear on their feet as they are outside playing,” said Carleigh Hofelich. “I want to help as many kids as I can, and I know this collection drive will help make a difference.”

“We are so thrilled to once again partner with this remarkable young woman for such a wonderful event,” said Jennifer Nolan, president, Our Lady of Peace. “Carleigh has left a lasting impact on many kids at Our Lady of Peace, and her determination to help others is admirable.”

Drop-off sites for “Carleigh’s Kicks for Kids” include Our Lady of Peace in Louisville and Floyd Memorial Hospital and Health Services in New Albany. Those wishing to donate can drop off shoes at the front desk of Our Lady of Peace, located at 2020 Newburg Road in Louisville, or in the Floyd Memorial Hospital Green Valley Lobby, located at 1850 State Street in New Albany, Indiana.

Carleigh is the daughter of Dr. Christopher Hofelich, of Floyd Memorial Medical Group. For more information about “Carleigh’s Kicks for Kids,” Dr. Hofelich can be reached at [email protected].