June 17, 2024
A generous alumni donor recently funded new shoes for all 1,500 students at San Bernardino High.
The students came in throughout the day on May 23rd, each with their English class. Volunteers helped them find shoes in their size, including brands such as Nike, On Running, Fila, etc.
As one news announcer said, “It’s almost like a shoe-store in this gymnasium.”
Principal Anna Sosa shared about the need for new shoes:
“Some of our students unfortunately cannot afford multiple pairs of shoes. They use one pair of shoes for school and by the end of the year they are worn out.”
Camila, a senior heading to college next year, expressed her thanks,
“It’s one less thing to worry about. I can now put that money towards my college tuition.”
Tristan Mondragon, also a senior, shared:
“I had two pairs of shoes that I couldn’t wear anymore because my feet are too big now. I can finally live with comfier footsies!”
“It is heartwarming to know that there are organizations like Shoes That Fit who are dedicated to supporting the community and ensuring that every individual has access to basic necessities.” – Anna Sosa, Principal, San Bernardino High School
Kenesha Boyd from San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran's office came to present a certificate of appreciation to Shoes That Fit and donors.
“We are so grateful to all of our partners that make something like this possible. Being able to do this is a dream. There are so many problems we can’t solve, but we can solve shoes, we can provide shoes to kids who need them.” – Julie Stevens, Chief of Staff, Shoes That Fit
A huge thank you to all the volunteers – from CIMpact,GEODIS, etc. – who helped make the day run smoothly. And our heartfelt thanks to the generous donor who made it all possible.
Would you like to make a difference in your childhood school, town, or city? Get in touch at info@shoesthatfit.org.
So, other parts of your budget have to give. You have to go without something. And for low-income families with children, that can mean new shoes for growing feet just aren’t possible anymore.
71% of teachers and school staff that we work with responded to our recent survey that more children are in need of shoes than in prior years.
“With the rising costs of food, housing, clothing, gas, etc. families are just stretched so thin right now. Money has to go further, meaning clothes have to last longer and shoes have to be worn much longer than before. Little feet continue to grow, so I see students very regularly that have long outgrown their shoes but their parents cannot afford to buy new ones. Students have to wear siblings' shoes that are often not the right size and are well past their better days.” – Coordinator, Family Resource Center, Eubank, KY
To help families like these, please give today. Your gift helps families who are struggling to afford the basics, like groceries. Your generosity makes sure these children have shoes that actually fit, shoes that allow them to learn, play, and thrive at school.
