“The children can choose their own shoes from a large selection,” he said.

Alicia Jallah, executive director of Helping Hands Ministry, said the donations were for the Belton, Academy and Holland school districts. She said there were about 400 pairs of shoes and socks, as well as an equal number of backpacks and hygiene kits.

Children stopped at their table to sign a large thank you poster for the churches, businesses and individuals who helped with either in-kind or monetary donations.

“We will scan it and send it like a postcard,” she said.

She had a group of volunteers who helped the students choose their socks, shoes and backpacks.

“We picked up our school supplies for the older students last week,” she said. “The elementary students will get them on their first day of school.”

The First Baptist Church of Belton and the First United Methodist Church of Belton were the two major collection points for Project Apple Tree, she said. The Rotary Club of Belton donated money. And TRU Homes, a Belton-based mobile home dealer, held a large sock drive for the fundraiser, she said.

She said Pittenger comes to every apple tree project.

“It’s a wonderful day as we get ready for school,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity to show love to our neighbors and get our kids ready for school. I’ve seen a lot of smiling faces and a lot of excitement about going to school.”

This is a great opportunity for the community to donate together, he said.

“Helping Hands is a great resource to bring together volunteers who want to help the community,” he said. “This event has always been a great way to show how much our community loves its neighbors. Anytime you can get 400 kids ready for school, it’s a great thing.”