Kindergarteners get shoes through charitable program

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By Dale Huffman, Contributing columnist Updated 11:43 PM Sunday, February 28, 2010

Thanks to the kindness and efforts of two well-known public servants now in retirement, all 60 kindergarten students at Cleveland Elementary School have brand new, warm shoes and socks to wear to school.

Both Dick Zimmer, a long-time Dayton city commissioner, and Ron Labatzky, a former major with the Dayton police department who later served as an instructor and the chief of police at Sinclair Community College, have led a charitable project called “Shoes That Fit.”

Zimmer’s wife, Mary Ann Zimmer, and Labatzky’s wife, Sue Labatzky, also have worked on the project that has provided new shoes and socks from Payless Shoes for the kindergarten students who attend Cleveland School, 1102 Pursell Ave.

The project is financed by members of the East Dayton Optimist Club. Zimmer initiated the effort in 2009 when he was serving as president of the organization, and the project has continued under the leadership of Labatzky, the new president.

The two community leaders also played roles in other projects that the club sponsors yearly, including an essay writing contest, oratorical competition and a community fishing derby.

The kindergarten students plan to send thank-you notes and a get-well greetings to both Labatzky and Zimmer,

Labatzky underwent surgery in May of 2009 for prostate cancer; he says he is now in remission,

Zimmer, who served three separate terms on Dayton City Commission between 1978 and 2006, is now fighting stage-four lung cancer, his wife said. She said that he is getting assistance from Hospice providers in his home.

“Dick is amazingly optimistic,” Mary Ann Zimmer said. “He is fighting very hard.”

She said he would appreciate notes or cards from supporters and friends. Messages can be addressed to: Dick Zimmer, 4546 Larchtree Court, Dayton, OH 45424.

Dale Huffman wants your suggestions and story ideas. He’d like to share a story about you, your family or a friend. This column is for you. Send e-mail to dhuffman@DaytonDailyNews.com or write to Dale at 1611 S. Main St. Dayton, OH 45409. Fax: (937) 225-2489. Phone: (937) 225-2272.

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