Local businesses were able to kick off the weekend by offering a helping hand to one local nonprofit organization.

Shoe Sensation, located in the Elk Crossing Shopping Center off West Elk Avenue, held a special fundraiser Friday evening geared toward senior citizens in the hopes of raising funds for Kids Like Us Community Learning Center.

According to Shoe Sensation employee Nancy Berry, several businesses provided assistance for the event, offering door prizes for attendees that signed up. Different sweet refreshments were also provided to participants and patrons of the store.

Located on Rogosin Drive, Kids Like Us is a newly-created nonprofit organization for the region to help children and adults with learning disabilities.

“The idea is great and something our community needs,” Berry said. “Anything we can do to help, we’ll do it. They offer a chance for kids and adults to have a fun and safe place to be at.”

Over the course of this week, Shoe Sensation is still accepting monetary donations for Kids Like Us.

“We can take in donations until the end of the week,” Berry said. The employee added that Friday’s event saw several senior citizens stop by and reap the rewards of different donated items offered from local businesses.

Kids Like Us also has a variety of programs around the bend. To usher in the 2018 season, the organization is offering their inaugural golf tournament at the Elizabethton Municipal Golf Course. Scheduled for April 21, the event is still in need of sponsors and participants. Individuals wanting to take part can email kidslikeuscommunity@gmail.com or visit the Kids Like Us Facebook page for more details.

Berry added Shoe Sensation has a busy itinerary ahead with different projects within the community.

“We want to do what we can to give back,” she said.

Visit their store location or call (423) 543-1126 for more information about upcoming events.