Nonprofitdonatesshoestoallstudents
The nonprofit Shoes That Fit gifted brand-new athletic shoes to the entire Richland Parish School District on Dec. 16 and 17.
This initiative benefits 2,650 students across the District, which includes five elementary schools, three junior high schools, three high schools, and one career center. The distribution was part of the district’s holiday event, bringing joy to students during the festive season.
“One in seven children in the United States live in a low-income family, and shoes are one of the most expensive items for families to provide,” Shoes That Fit Executive Director Amy Fass said. “When families have to choose between putting food on the table or buying new shoes for school, you can imagine that food wins every time. The simple gift of a pair of shoes can increase a child’s confidence, attendance and performance at school, and we are so thankful to work with the Richland Parish schools to make such a positive impact on these kids.”
“The Richland Parish School Board is blessed to be able to provide each one of our 2,650 students with a pair of name brand shoes for the Christmas holiday season,” Richland Parish School Board Superintendent Sheldon Jones said. “This blessing is possible solely due to our generous gift from Shoes That Fit. Parents in our community often times purchase clothes and shoes as Christmas gifts for their children. STF’s donation will help ease the financial burden of Christmas for our parents. Thank you to everyone on the team for this hope a reality.” “We sincerely appreciate the generous donation from Shoes That Fit, especially during one of the most meaningful times of the year,” Mangham Elementary School Principal Ashley Malmay said. “Providing every student with a new pair of shoes not only meets a practical need but also boosts confidence, comfort, and readiness to learn.”
“With each pair of shoes, we pave the path of possibility; your generosity equips Delhi Middle School students to quicken our stride ‘With Shoes That Fit’ towards academic success,” Delhi Middle School Principal Kenya Grimes said.
“What an amazing day. There were too many smiles to count. Every RES student received a brand new pair of shoes. Thank you Shoes That Fit,” Rayville Elementary School Principal Elycia Hill said.
“It was an incredible experience to watch the students’ faces light up with excitement as they opened their boxes and pulled out a brand new pair of shoes that were just for them. Some of them had never owned a new pair of shoes before, so their smiles meant a just little bit more,” Start Elementary School Principal Beverly Smart said.
“Please express our deepest appreciation to Shoes That Fit from the students at Holly Ridge Elementary School,” Holly Ridge Elementary School Principal Reagan Holloway said. “Students were surprised and beyond excited for themselves but also one another. They all cheered for each other as student one by one opened their shoes. Our faculty and staff can’t be left out because this brought joy and even tears to our eyes to see our students so excited. It was such a joyful experience for us all.”
“Rayville High School was honored to receive a generous donation of sneakers for all of its students from one of its own alumni, Mr. Andre Fuller, as well as Shoes that Fit,” Rayville High School Principal Chelsea D. Chisolm said. “This gift meant so much to our students, and is deeply appreciated by the school and its community. The students especially loved the styles and designs of the shoes they received. We extend a heartfelt thanks to Mr. Fuller and Shoes that Fit for ensuring all students have a brand new pair of shoes just in time for the holidays.”
A national nonprofit organization based in Claremont, CA., Shoes That Fit tackles one of the most visible signs of poverty in America by giving children in need new athletic shoes to attend school with dignity and joy, prepared to learn, play and thrive.
Named a California Nonprofit of the Year, Shoes That Fit delivered new athletic shoes to over 180,000 children across 50 states last year alone.
Help ensure no child misses school because they don’t have shoes that fit by visiting our website http:// www.shoesthatfit.org.
www.shoesthatfit.org
