UPDATE: Local Good Samaritans help wounded warriors

By Deanne Lane

KSDK -- Viewer response to this story was overwheling, and local companies have also stepped up to help in response.

If you'd like to donate a pair of shoes, Spiro's restaurant at 2275 Bluestone Drive in St. Charles, will be hosting a drop off on Saturday, December 6 from 10 AM to 3 PM.

You can also drop off donations at any Farmer's agent in the metropolitan area.

Our previous story

More than 34,000 men and women have been injured since the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan began. But many of these wounded warriors were missing something essential in their recovery, until some local St. Louisans stepped in to help.

"Many of the injured arrive at Landstuhl Medial Center in Germany with nothing but a hospital gown," said Dawn Pesti, commander-in-charge of the Navy Reserves Medical Unit.

When members of the unit arrived in Germany to care for the wounded, they noticed there were no shoes to help the wounded with their rehabilitation, specifically tennis shoes. With the help of donations, Pesti teamed up with Fleet Feet a local shoe retailer.

"It's just something we can give back to these heroes," said Fleet Feet owner David Spetnagel.

Nearly 200 pairs of shoes have already been sent with a value of almost $14,000.

Many more tennis shoes are needed, but it cannot be done without help from other businesses and volunteers. If you would like to donate to the program contact, Fleet Feet at 3813 Mexico Road in St. Charles or www.fleetfeetstl.com/flyer/main.htm or contact the Reserve Officers' Association.