Working with Shoes That Fit
On May 21, the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) and Shoes That Fit (STF) continued their long-standing partnership by hosting a sneaker giveaway at Payne STEAM Academy( 215 W 94th St.) for students. This event gifted over 600 pairs of sneakers, helping students with financial and self-esteem issues.
“Shoes are one of the most expensive items families need to provide for their growing children. They are also intrinsically important to a child’s sense of themselves, dignity, and learning ability. The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation understands the importance of investing in children, helping them live a healthy lifestyle through sport, and feeling seen and supported by their community,” said Amy Fass, CEO and Executive Director of Shoes That Fit. “Since 2019, LADF grants have helped us deliver shoes that allow kids to attend school, participate in sports, and enjoy everything childhood offers. We are so grateful for our continued partnership to help future Angelenos learn, play, and thrive together."
Since the partnership started in 2019, they have provided over 2,000 pairs of shoes to students across Los Angeles. " We work with our partners to look over a list of schools in neighborhoods that could benefit the most from the resources we provide. "Nichol Whiteman, CEO of the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, said as she spoke about the selection process for schools. " The list shows the levels of income and disparity in these neighborhoods, so it helps us narrow down areas to best serve."
Whiteman credits the partnership with STF as they amplify the community work and impact the foundation's philanthropy across Los Angeles. Funding for the shoes comes from the 2023 Opening Day fundraising efforts, which raised $93,000 to benefit STF.
"It's so important for students to have new shoes because if you look good, you feel good and perform better." Nekeda Newell-Hall, chief strategy officer at STF, said as she explained the impact new shoes could have on student's confidence. “One of the most visible signs of poverty is what you look like, so if we could remove the barrier and stigma with brand new shoes to encourage kids to be social and participate in school activities, we are happy to help with that."
Newell-Hall describes the process of getting kid's shoes as being direct and precise. "We have to plan six to eight weeks behind the scenes, which include measuring the kid's feet, working with some of our partners and logistic team to order shoes, and have them shipped to events like we hosted today," Newell-Hall said. "About two or three people are planning the event and work every day for about six weeks so the kids can enjoy themselves."
