When former parole administrator Jill Brown decided she had done her time after 31 years working for the prison system, she knew that the typical gold watch was not going to be enough for her. Instead, she told her colleagues, friends and family who wished to honor her retirement that they should make donations to Shoes That Fit.

“I love Shoes That Fit,” said Jill. “I saw so much of the bad that can happen in people’s lives during my career, I just wanted to do some good and maybe help keep the kids in school and off the road that leads to the prison system.”

Jill threw a party to celebrate her release from prison duty. Guests brought shoes and monetary donations to Shoes That Fit and many pairs arrived from out of town well-wishers as well.

“Everyone was so generous,” Jill said. “That was the best gift anyone could have ever given me.”