What to do with those shiny new shoes your toddler outgrew that are taking up valuable closet space? Stikii Shoe Company has kicked off the Red, White and Shoe Drive in an effort to collect Toledoans' gently-used adult and children's shoes and redistribute them to those in need. "These are the shoes that are stuffed in the back of the closet that you didn't even mow the lawn in yet," says Stikii marketing manager Tony Martinez. "Those are the shoes we'd like to see on other people's feet." They hope to collect 1,000 pairs of shoes in the next month, and redistribute them to people in need through different local organizations. "It's tough for anyone to put themselves, no pun intended, in someone else's shoes, but I think this will raise awareness and really shed some light on [the need to give back]," Martinez says. Tie the shoe strings together or place the pairs to be donated in grocery bags and drop off in the boxes labeled Red, White and Shoe Drive at all Computer Discount, Stikii and Chuck E. Cheese locations around Toledo through Labor Day.

419-720-8322. stikii.com. —AO

After expenditures of $4.5 million and a year of construction, West Side Montessori’s new building at 7115 W. Bancroft is set for a September unveiling — but the new space’s natural feel isn’t even the best part, says Ben Roberts, director of the campus consolidation program.

“The best thing about the new facility is that it unites the whole Toledo [school] community on one campus,” Roberts says. “It’s been the dream of West Side Montessori to have the students from 13 months old to eighth grade at one facility.”  With the new campus consolidating the McCord Rd. and Bancroft center classrooms, Roberts says the “intermingling” of students will help fulfill the school’s goal of smooth transitions from one level to the next.

The ribbon cutting ceremony and debut of the 30,000 square foot facility (complete with 15 new classrooms, a library/media center and music and art studios) will be during the school’s annual Sweet September Sundae on September 16. The new site has been met with enthusiasm, Roberts said. “The reaction’s been fantastic from the parents, the students and the greater community.”

For more info, visit www.montessoritoledo.org. —AO

Feel the magic of classic tales experienced in the real world, as the Metroparks and the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library present Stories in the Park, a new series aimed at kids ages 5 through 8. Librarians read the stories, then participants head out into the park to observe story elements as a reality. On Saturday, August 11 at Secor Metropark, hear Goldilocks and the Three Bears, followed by a look at some real animal homes. (No bears, sadly!) On August 18 at Wildwood, hear Hansel and Gretel, and learn about finding your way in the woods without bread crumbs. And on August 25 at Side Cut, hear Little Red Riding Hood, then learn how animals camouflage themselves. (Hint: they don't wear red.) All stories begin at 10:30am.

Registration is $5 and can be done through the metropark’s website (and there’s detailed info about meeting places, there too). Call 419-407-9700 or visit www.metroparkstoledo.com for more info. —MD

A long day at work can feel like punishment without the right childcare to ease a busy mom or dad’s mind, and for parents who juggle late-night shifts or multiple occupations it can be even tougher. The YMCA and JCC of Greater Toledo hope to alleviate these challenges with child care options that cater to parents’ and their often frenzied work schedules. The Y’s Early Education Care and Afterschool Adventure programs have recently expanded into more area centers, and offer a stable, consistent environment for children; parents can meet with staff to create a care schedule that meets their needs, with some centers open as early as 5:15 am and providing care up to 11 pm. “We have a high demand for early opening and extended hours,” says Ann Newton, a child development specialist at the Y. “As Toledo’s economy continues to improve, the hours parents are going back to work are more non-traditional than the nine to five job.” And the stability of using one child care center (rather than shuttle between different providers) can boost children’s academic performance and reduce behavior
problems, Newton says. Second-shift care for parents who work late nights puts kids on an afternoon schedule of academics, athletics (like swimming lessons) and educational field trips. Its morning counterpart, the Y Early Education program, focuses on preparation for kindergarten (and the bonus of seven weeks of swim lessons added on for preschoolers!). The Y serves children from infants to 12-year-olds through their eight early education and care centers and 18 school-age centers.

For more information, contact the Y child development department at 419-474-3995 or visit www.ymcatoledo.org. —AO