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Shining shoes is an art. So third graders discovered on September 17 and 18, when they set up a temporary shoeshine stand to raise money for a cancer patient support project.

Working side by side in the Elderkin Hall lobby, the children buffed loafers, heels, and lace-ups to a glistening shine. They applied polish with their fingers and used an assortment of rags and brushes to produce the gleam of new leather.

The children learned the craft while reading the book "The Shoeshine Girl" by Claude Bulla.

More than 65 teachers, staff, parents, and children took advantage of the service. They received drinks and reading material while they waited. Said one satisfied customer, teacher John Grega, "My shoes look great!"

Third graders raised more than $300. "The money will go toward the cost of material for the fleece blankets we are making for cancer patients," said third grade teacher Margaret Bitz. "They will make the blankets with their own little hands and then we are presenting the blankets to the cancer support group on campus, in hopes that they will be given to cancer patients."

"The support was overwhelming and very much appreciated," she said.