The Friends of Pickens County Guardian ad Litem helped nearly 160 area children get a better start on the school year with new shoes and clothes during their annual “Heart and Sole” benefit.  The children, who are in area foster care, received gift cards Aug. 4 to be spent at the Easley Walmart and Academy Sports and Outdoors, which helped sponsor the event. The Friends of PCGAL raised approximately $13,000 during the fund drive, and 100 percent of the money went directly to aid the children. The organization was established to fill the gap of financial needs for foster care children. The Easley Fire Department was also on hand showing off some of its equipment and talking fire safety. Pictured above are volunteers who helped the children shop. Group volunteers include Chris Clay, Rosanna Harris, Lyndsey Massey, Trena Smith, Chelsea Hill, Kayla Godfrey, Lee Black, Pauline Wagner, Ranisha McCall, Mallory Busha, Debbie Hennesy, Tom Hennesy, Mitzy Bowles, Misty Robinson, Sheila Barton, John Burgess, Sarah Towe, Sharon Moon, Tom Garrett, Sarah Sigman, Diana Bolt, Courtney Wynn, Misty Todd, Samuel Stewart, Zach Wilson, Charles Corwin, Kathy Irvin, MaryAnn Turner, Ann Fitzgerald, Jeff Kubacz, Henry Guidone, Jeff Martin, Khadijah Lewwis, Kaitlyn Surrelis, Angie Long and Jennifer Stehl.