Students in the Panther Valley Elementary School are collecting slightly used shoes for Blue Ridge Communication's "Let Them Walk In Our Shoes". So far the third grade has been the top collector. The deadline is Sept. 30, so all classes have a chance to catch up. After the collection, the top collector will be treated to a party at the school by the PTO (which is conducting the shoe drive). Sizes accepted are from infant to children's size 5. A Patriotic dress-down day will be held for $1 a student to defray the cost of shipping to Iraq and Afghanistan. The shoe collection started on Monday and so far 220 pairs of shoes and boots have been donated. Seen helping PTO president Lori Dacey (center) are front row third graders, Ian Mertz and Shawn Hoben. Back row, Olivia Dacey and Paige Livengood. Blue Ridge Communications and the National Guard will come to the school to collect the shoes.