About 371 Springfield schoolchildren have an opportunity to get new shoes thanks to the Springfield Hotel Lodging Association.

The donation of 371 pairs of shoes will be presented to Cents of Pride during the SHLA meeting that begins at 11:30 a.m. Dec. 18 at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites, 2720 N. Glenstone Ave.

Cents of Pride is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fulfilling student needs through a reward system that reinforces positive choices and empowers students. Students are rewarded with Pride Bucks for making positive choices at school and their earnings can be used to purchase items at their school’s Pride Store. Learn more at www.centsofprideschools.org.

SHLA has conducted fundraisers and other programs for many years to help school age children. Past donations include food, backpacks, school supplies, personal hygiene products, etc. The association collects cash donations from its members at each monthly meeting.

SHLA is a professional organization that unites representatives of Springfield’s lodging and related industries for promotion and protection of their interests. Nearly 40 lodging businesses are members of SHLA along with several associate and allied members. Learn more about SHLA at www.springfieldhotelmotel.com.