Top, Jacob Saflar sits amongst the 215 pairs of shoes he collected to help needy families. Right, Jacob shows off his success, thanks to contributions largely from Day-McKellar Preparatory students and parents.

     ALPINE — Local Alpine first-grader, Jacob Saflar, did his part to help make the world a better place, collecting more than 200 pairs of shoes for needy families.
     It all began in November, when Jacob participated in a penny drive at his school, Day-McKellar Preparatory School, with a program called Pennies for Peace. Students were raising money to help build schools over seas. Then in Cub Scouts, Jacob’s Tiger Den was trying to find a community organization where children can volunteer. Organizers were amazed that they could not find a single organization.
     As the parents were talking, Jacob tuned into collecting old shoes to help people who didn’t have any. So, he approached the staff at school and asked if he could do a shoe drive at school. The school was very supportive and encouraging.
     Jacob went into each classroom and told all the students about the shoe drive and the families in need. He handed out flyers for the students to take home. Then, before and after school each day, for one week (Dec 7-11) he stood out front and collected shoes from students and parents.
     He made signs, counted the shoes as they came in and was a hero for the week. Jacob collected 215 pairs of shoes in all. Jacob’s family then took the shoes down to a church in El Cajon, The Church of St. Martin of Tours, and they personally drove the shoes down to Tijuana, where a group of Nuns will distribute them to people in need.
     “We are so proud of Jacob, who wanted to help the world be a better place and collected 215 pairs of shoes,” said mom Amy Saflar. “It goes to show that even a first grader can make a difference in our world.”