In his red, white and blue striped shirt, silver rimmed spectacles and cheery disposition Ed Jurgrau bounces about Shoe Train in Cabin John Shopping center with such a delightful air it is impossible to tell that he spends his entire day inspecting children’s feet.

While Shoe Train brings back memories of the past for many CHS students, most shoppers do not realize that the store is more than just a convenient place to buy children’s shoes. Since the store opened in March 1979, it has been the sole supplier of special needs shoe fitting for children in the Washington D.C. area.

There are two parts to special needs fitting: fitting children who have feet or motion problems such as difficulties with balance and fitting children who have disabilities like autism, cerebral palsy and Downs syndrome.

“You have to really know how to handle these kids,” Jurgrau said. “[We are] really successful because when [people] leave the store we know we have made a difference.”

Prior to his work with orthotics, at age 16 Jurgrau got a job where he learned computer programming. He later became a computer analyst in the United States Army at the Presidio of San Francisco.

“Upon discharge from the Army, I knew I wanted to explore other opportunities,” Jurgrau said. “I got a full time job in a children’s shoe store in Bethesda while [I was] going to college. I enjoyed the interaction with clients but most importantly working with children is very special.”

Ed worked at the shoe store in Bethesda and was mentored by the store’s owner, who had a background in podiatry, the diagnosis and treatment of foot disorders.

“I carefully observed his actions with problem feet and soon became interested in helping children with [these problems,]” Jurgrau said. “In time, serving children with special needs became my passion.”

CHS alumna Rachel Redman remembers being fit by Ed when she was four.

“I had club feet,” Redman said. “I had to go to someone who could really fit me and someone who had extra wide [shoes.]”

In addition to being the only supplier for special needs fitting in the area, Jurgrau donates shoes to a variety of charities. In the past he has given to Soles for Souls, a charity that gives aid to those affected by natural disasters and to relief missions in Haiti.

“We give anything we haven’t sold to a different charity in our area,” Jurgrau said. “We fulfill [people’s] needs on request as well as for people who can’t afford [shoes].”

Additionally, in 2008 Jurgrau was presented with a certificate of appreciation from County Executive Isiah Leggett for his yearly shoe donations to the county’s Child Welfare Services program. This program’s mission is to protect children, preserve families and provide safe alternatives when deemed necessary.

“To be acknowledged is most rewarding,” Jurgrau said. “However, I truly hope that my experience in serving the community impacts other people to embrace community service. Giving of yourself is so much more fulfilling than receiving.”

Junior Josh Kaufman, who did not need special needs fitting but went to Shoe Train for 10 years, remembers that Jurgrau always had a friendly, welcoming smile.

“He [really is] the father of Shoe Train,” Kaufman said.