(STURGIS) – Christmas came a few weeks early for some Sturgis children.

The Sturgis Kiwanis Club and the Sturgis Elks held their annual Shoes And Boots event Wednesday evening. Sturgis Public Schools teachers submit the names of children who are in need of some extra assistance to Kiwanis and Elks Clubs.

While the need for help is still there, Sturgis Kiwanian Michael Caywood says it has shifted a little bit in the last couple of years. LINKC.

The evening included children going to Willer’s Shoes for either shoes or boots. Next they were taken to the Great Hall at St. John’s Episcopal Church where they had a pizza party, were able to get some hats and gloves, along with a present and a chance to see Santa Claus.

The Sturgis High School Key Club, which is sponsored by the Sturgis Kiwanis Club, also helped with the evening's events.

Over the last few years, the number of children being assisted has remained pretty steady, according to Caywood. LINKD.

The Shoes and Boots program traces its origins back to the early 1960’s.