Grant providing eligible families with free children's shoes across Mahoning Valley

Mahoning Valley - A grant from a national non-profit is helping provide shoes to children in the Mahoning Valley.
Operation Warm awarded the grant to the Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull County Boards of Developmental Disabilities.
According to the release, Operation Warm manufactures high-quality shoes and coats for children in need and partners with community organizations across North America to provide warmth, confidence to socialize and hope for a brighter future.
Families with a household income at or below 200% of current Federal Poverty Level limits are eligible. If a family qualifies, all children in the household will get one pair of shoes while supplies last.
According to the release, 67% of kids wear shoes that are too small and between ages 4 and 14, children outgrow their shoes every 4-8 months. Wearing shoes that don't properly fit can lead to foot problems that affect how a child walks and can continue into adulthood.
Shoes sized between 8 toddler and 6 big kids will be available.
While shoes are being distributed by County Boards of Developmental Disabilities, the program is not limited to children with disabilities.
To check if your family qualifies, call your county's board at the numbers below:
- Columbiana County: 330-424-7788
- Mahoning County: 330-797-2825
- Trumbull County: 330-652-9800