Every child deserves a comfortable pair of shoes, and the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation (PACF) is proud to work with area philanthropist Rob Fouss to make that a reality for children in need this holiday season. Fouss and his sister, Pam Fouss Wenmoth, created the Robert E. Fouss Memorial Fund with the PACF in 1999 in memory of their father. The Fund supports general community needs with a special emphasis on providing shoes to area youth.

Robert E. Fouss, Sr. spent 46 years in the shoe business working at Fort Pitt Shoes on Market Street in Parkersburg and, later, opening Ford Shoes in the Grand Central Mall. During that time, he saw children whose families couldn't afford to buy shoes and he often provided shoes to the families through trades for fresh eggs, bacon, or other arrangements. “My father made sure that any kids who came into his store who needed shoes, left with a new pair on their feet,” Rob Fouss said. “It is a humbling feeling to help others less fortunate and this charitable fund is a way that I can honor my father’s lifelong ambition to help those in need.”

“The PACF works in partnership with local schools and charitable organizations to identify children who need shoes,” said Amy Nahley, the PACF’s Senior Program Officer. “We then work with those organizations to purchase and deliver the shoes with the resources available from the Robert E. Fouss Memorial Fund.”

Continuing his father’s legacy of kindness and compassion, a $1,000 donor-advised grant from the Robert E. Fouss Memorial Fund was made to the Children’s Home Society of Parkersburg to buy shoes for all the kids at the Arthur N. Gustke Child Shelter. Each child received a pair this week and will get a second pair of shoes on Christmas morning. Any remaining funds will be used to purchase socks and shoes for future residents.

Since the Fund’s establishment, hundreds of children throughout the community have received shoes in the name of Robert Fouss. To support this Fund, please consider donating at https://pacfwv.com/funds/rober....

The Robert E. Fouss Memorial Fund is making a difference and helping area children step forward with confidence this Christmas.