HOPKINS COUNTY (6/20/12) – Last week, SurfKY News posted an update regarding Jasmine “Jazzy” Larkins' 7th birthday wish. Jazzy decided that she didn’t want presents and cake for her birthday this year. Her one birthday request was to obtain 101 pairs of shoes to donate to children in need.
Along with her mother Stephanie's help, Jazzy has been collecting shoes for an organization called Soles 4 Souls, a group whose mission is to collect shoes and distribute them to those in need all across the globe.
Since SurfKY News first reported on Jazzy’s gracious request on May 18th, Jazzy has received an outpouring of support from the community. She has received over 160 pairs of shoes in drop boxes located in Henderson, Hopkinsville, Madisonville, and Owensboro. Not only that, but businesses have been offering their help as well. Stephanie was contacted by Stikii, a company based out of Toledo, Ohio, that was so touched by Jazzy’s request that they too donated shoes towards the cause.
“Jazzy has inspired us to get involved with other shoe drives to help those in need,” said Stikii’s Director of Business Development Hal Yaffe. “In the history of Stikii she will always be our first charity shoe drive.”
Jazzy Larkins and Hudson Toyota Professional Bass Angler Rusty Strange (Above)
Hudson Toyota of Madisonville was inspired by Jazzy’s birthday wish as well, and reached out to offer their support by becoming a collection point for donated shoes. On Wednesday, June the 20th, Hudson Toyota announced that anyone who dropped off a donated pair of shoes at their dealership would receive a complimentary ticket to the Tradewater Pirates baseball game on Saturday, June the 23rd. The Pirates went head to head with the Hoptown Hoppers at 7 p.m. last Saturday night at Elmer Kelley Stadium at the Madisonville City Park. Furthermore, Jazzy threw the first pitch while eighteen of her family members supported her from the stands.
