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PARKERSBURG -- The Parkersburg Area Community Foundation is working with area philanthropist Rob Fouss to make sure every community child in need has a pair of shoes this holiday season.
Fouss and his sister, Pam Fouss Wenmoth, created the Robert E. Fouss Memorial Fund with the PACF in 1999 in memory of their father. The fund supports general community needs with an emphasis on providing shoes to area youth.
The late Fouss Senior spent 46 years in the shoe business working at Fort Pitt Shoes on Market Street in Parkersburg; he later went on to Ford Shoes in Grand Central Mall. During his time in the shoe business, Fouss Senior saw children whose families couldn't afford to buy shoes. He often provided shoes to the families through trades for fresh eggs, bacon, or other arrangements.
"My father made sure that any kids who came into his store who needed shoes, left with a new pair on their feet," Rob Fouss said. "It is a humbling feeling to help others less fortunate and this charitable fund is a way that I can honor my father's lifelong ambition to help those in need."
A $1,000 donor advised grant from the Robert E. Fouss Memorial Fund was made to the Children's Home Society of Parkersburg to buy shoes for all the kids at the Arthur N. Gustke Child Shelter.
Each child in the Children's Home Society received a pair last weekend and got a second pair of shoes on Christmas morning. Any remaining funds will be used to purchase socks and shoes for future residents.