VIRGINIA BEACH, VA -- Rack Room Shoes at Landstown Commons is giving back to the community in a big way.
For the past seven years, the company has raised money for students in need. This year they collected more than $7,000 and donated all of it to Landstown Elementary School.
On Wednesday, workers with the school were able to go to the store and pick out shoes for students.
“Finding things with certain people in mind and seeing the look on their faces when you see what you got for them," Morgan Holland said.
Holland is a school counselor with Virginia Beach City Public Schools, but she was able to be a secret Santa.
"Sometimes we kind of know the families that are in need and shoes is just one small way that we can help," she said.
This year, more than 100 students and their siblings who desperately need a new pair of shoes will get them. Their parents will pick them up at the school.
"They're very appreciative. We give them a blank thank you note and encourage them to write one to Rack Room,” Holland said.
The store manager, Meghan Aston said she kept thank-you notes from the previous years.
She read: "Thank you Rack Room for the wonderful gifts. Our mom doesn't have to work many more hours to get the gifts you've given us. Thank you for making our mom smile. Merry Christmas and God Bless you all.”
Ashton said she feels thankful she can help make a positive impact in the community.
She said it’s just very touching to know that we can make a difference and they are appreciative."
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