The Fenton-based youth group named Y.E.A.H. (Youth Excited About Helping) participated in an event Tuesday called "One Day Without Shoes."

The kids carried signs, banners and flags as they walked barefoot around Fenton City Park Tuesday, all in an effort to bring awareness to underprivileged children who don't have shoes to wear.

The idea was the brainchild of Blake Mycoskie who befriended children in Argentina and found they had no shoes to protect their feet. He started Toms Shoes with the idea that he would donate a pair of new shoes to needy children for every pair of TOMS shoes purchased.

The Y.E.A.H. kids took up the challenge.

April 5 was designated by TOMS Shoes as "A Day Without Shoes." Groups around the country participated in their own local events to bring attantion to the need for shoes in underprivilaged countries.

The Y.E.A.H. group took up the cause and about 50 of the barefoot kids marched along an asphalt walking trail in Fenton City Park. Many of the kids decorated their feet with ink and markers. The signs they carried attracted attention to the Day Without Shoes idea as they explained to passersby why they were all barefoot.

In the end, the Y.E.A.H. kids worked off some after school energy as they made a statement to others about helping other children in need.

To find a store that carries TOMS Shoes locally, check the company's store locator.