Shoes That Fit
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Shoes That Fit is a national, non-profit 501(c)3 organization based in Claremont, CA that provides new shoes to low-income children. The mission of Shoes That Fit is to provide new shoes to children in need so they can attend school in comfort and with dignity, better prepared to learn and play.
HISTORY: Shoes That Fit began in 1992 helping children at one elementary school in Pomona, CA. Today, Shoes That Fit programs exist in more than 2,000 elementary schools in 45 U. S. states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Since our founding, over 1.5 million new pairs of shoes and other necessities have been raised and distributed directly to school children in need. Shoes That Fit is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and donations are tax-deductible.
PROCESS: Shoes That Fit pairs sponsors groups such as businesses, colleges, community service groups or groups of friends or coworkers-with schools in their own communities that have children in need. School staff identify the children who are most in need of new shoes and then measures the children with materials provided by Shoes That Fit. Each child has his/her foot measured to ensure accuracy and fit. A local volunteer sponsor group can be started by anyone who can organize a group to purchase items. The sponsor purchases exactly what the children need and then delivers the items to the schools.
REACH AND IMPACT: In 2015, Shoes That Fit provided new shoes to 102,946 children across the U.S. There are over 300 Shoes That Fit volunteer groups in 45 states.
School personnel have reported improvement in attendance, academic performance and socialization of children helped by Shoes That Fit.
DONORS, CORPORATE PARTNERS AND FOUNDATIONS: Shoes That Fit has partnered with many companies and organizations, including Nordstrom Inc., New Balance, Da Vita, Rack Room Shoes, Newport Group, Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center, Vista Metals, Porsche and Perera Construction.
Foundation donors include The Ahmanson Foundation, The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation, The Rose Hills Foundation and Target Corporation.
In 2015, the Nordstrom Holiday Campaign provided an opportunity for customers to purchase a holiday giving card to donate shoes to children through Shoes That Fit. The Campaign helped distribute over 25,000 pairs of shoes to low-income children across the country.
Shoe companies that have donated to Shoes That Fit in the past include: Vans, Skechers, New Balance, Vlado and Nike Inc.
CELEBRITY SUPPORTERS: Past and present celebrity supporters of Shoes That Fit include: Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers, Fathers and Men of Professional Basketball Players, Mothers of the NBA, Clint Robinson of the Washington Nationals and Tracy Murray (Assistant Coach for the Los Angeles Lakers)
References
- Fritz, J. (2010). "Cause of the Week: Shoes That Fit", Joanne's Nonprofits Blog, Retrieved August 29, 2010 from http://nonprofit.about.com/b/2010/06/22/cause-of-the-week-shoes-that-fit.htm .
http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=10548
http://www.bbb.org/charity-reviews/national/shoes-that-fit-in-claremont-ca-16308