The Zonta Club of Charlevoix Area members from District 15 are raising awareness about the issue of domestic violence with their Zonta Shoe Tree.

The Shoe Tree, currently on display in a prominent Charlevoix, Michigan location through 10 December, features 183 pair of shoes. Each pair represents one of the 183 victims of domestic violence or assault in the Charlevoix community in 2017.

The Zonta Shoe Tree serves as a public reminder that while each of the 183 victims put their shoes on and walk through their day just like everyone else, they live with violence.

Residents generously donated 183 pair of shoes and Charlevoix businesses and the local high school served as drop-off locations.

An area Girl Scout Troop joined Zonta members in painting the shoes orange, marched with members in the Holiday Parade and assisted in decorating the Shoe Tree.

By inviting the local community to donate shoes and help build the shoe tree, Zonta members and community members actively participated in an open discussion about the issue of domestic violence.