Seniors treated to holiday shopping trip

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Some lucky seniors got an early Christmas present this week. It was a gift from a stranger that will warm them all winter long. One woman called the shopping trip the experience of a lifetime.

Nineteen low income seniors who receive services at the Salvation Army's Fountain Square facility got a surprise field trip to a northwest side Shoe Carnival. Each got to pick out a pair of shoes and a pair of boots. The seniors laced up pair after pair until finally getting the right fit.

For many, a trip to the store for something new is a luxury rarely experienced. That's the case for Mary Hardin, who always shops at second-hand stores and thrift shops.

"This is a once in a lifetime thing for me because I never had a brand new pair of boots," said Hardin.

And when seniors went to check out, no checkbooks were needed. A 92-year-old benefactor, Laura Lewis, picked up the bill. Lewis lived the modest life of a receptionist at Eli Lilly, but she invested well. Now she shares what she has with those without.

"God gave it to me and I think I'm supposed to give it to somebody else," a smiling Lewis said.

She's given many seniors more than a new pair of shoes.

"It gives me faith in mankind that there are still good, decent people out there," said Hardin.

After the seniors got their shoes, Lewis treated all to lunch at a local restaurant.

This isn't the first time Lewis warmed the feet of Hoosiers. Every year she buys shoes and school supplies for children who receive services through the Salvation Army.