Carol Norman of Curtis set out to gather 250 pairs of shoes to help children in Iraq, at the request of her son, Sammy, who is stationed there with a Navy Reserves Seabee Unit. Donations eventually reached 1,000 pairs and United Postal Service picked up the final 23 boxes, containing 35 to 50 pairs of shoes, at the Naubinway Medical Clinic Thursday, August 17.

"I am happy to say the shoes totaled 1,033 pairs," Mrs. Norman said. "Without the help of Representative Gary McDowell (D-Rudyard), UPS, and our communities across the Upper Peninsula, and even extending into lower Michigan, this project wouldn't have grown so large. It has been truly blessed by the great people who live and visit our state."

Mrs. Norman had enlisted the help of Captain Bill Kelly of Curtis. Mr. Kelly contacted Mr. McDowell, who made arrangements with UPS to ship the shoes free of charge. A float in the Fourth of July parade in Curtis collected 290 pairs of shoes.

"I'm proud to help support a cause that one of our brave soldiers started and which will greatly benefit the children of Iraq," Mr. McDowell said. "These shoes will comfort to children in Iraq and help build bridges between our countries."