KALAHEO — People have about a week remaining to drop off new, or gently-used slippers destined for Kauai students. “We holding a slipper drive as a service project to observe October as Physical Therapy month,” said Theresa Wiederoder, a doctor
KALAHEO — People have about a week remaining to drop off new, or gently-used slippers destined for Kauai students.
“We holding a slipper drive as a service project to observe October as Physical Therapy month,” said Theresa Wiederoder, a doctor of physical therapy. “We have all the physical therapy clinics collect slippers to donate to the public elementary schools on our island.”
Gregg Pacilio, regional director of physical therapy based at the West Kauai Medical Center, KVMH, is sure the project will make a difference for children.
“I have one new slipper, and was embarrassed to put it in the box,” Pacilio said. “But slippers don’t always break in pairs. The one I have might replace a broken one for someone.”
Pacilio said he likes the project.
“I never realized the great need for something as simple as a pair of slippers until I talked with Kekaha Elementary School,” he said.
Both Pacilio and Weideroder are with the Hawaii Association of Physical Therapists of America.
Drop off boxes are at the Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital, the Kauai Care Center, Ohana Sports Medicine, Kalaheo and Kapaa clinics, ROCK PT, Hawaii Sport and Balance Center, Action PT, Aloha PT, Wilcox Hospital PT, Kauai Therapy and Wellness, the Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital, and Rider PT.
“We didn’t realize the need school have for slippers,” Wiederoder said. “After speaking with a few of the principals at the elementary schools, it was apparent that they are always in great need of slippers. One of the vice principals at one of the schools even buys slippers with her own money to ensure the kids’ feet are always protected.”
