All kids deserve to run, to play and to learn. But that isn’t always possible. Today, 1000s of students in our schools do not have proper shoes. They face barriers like limited access to activity groups, athletics, courage to join in and confidence to raise their hand in class. Shoes mean dignity and a running start at achievement.

 

Each year, The Foundation sources new shoes in specific sizes that fit growing feet. We work with donors, corporations and good-hearted humans to provide 2500 - 3000 pair of "cool, kid-approved" well-made shoes to students who otherwise would be wearing tattered, ill-fitting, worn, broken shoes. For the 2025-2026 school year, with the support of so many giving people, The Foundation raised over $83,000 to purchase shoes and invited members of the community to help fit students for shoes and see their joyful smiles at our annual shoe fitting event.

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"Shoes are one of those basic needs that many take for granted, but not having proper footwear can be a constant source of embarrassment, distraction, and alienation," says Ellen Goodman, Director of The Foundation for PSUSD. “Shoes are one of the first signs of a child in poverty. It impacts their self-esteem, academic performance and their long-term wellbeing. And what many in our community don’t realize is that 97% of our students are socioeconomically disadvantaged; between 10-12% are homeless. And when a family experiences economic hardship, either chronically or because of an emergency, they have to make choices on how to spend their precious resources. And necessities, like putting dinner on the table, become the priority over much needed shoes." 

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The mental health impacts of not having adequate footwear manifest in the classroom. Numerous studies have shown how something as small as ill-fitting footwear, worn and torn shoes, can negatively impact a child's self-esteem, classroom participation, and overall achievement. Children experiencing this often don't want to bring attention to themselves, leading to hesitancy in raising their hands, speaking up, or joining group activities. The emotional stress and feelings of not belonging make it incredibly difficult to focus on learning. For many children living in poverty, having a pair of shoes that actually fits can be life-changing. They can win. New shoes that fit are more than material goods; they support growing feet, growing minds, and growing confidence, helping students to thrive in and out of school.

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Donating to Shoes for Students is very simple, tangible way we can help the next generation in our community rise up and reach their potential is by starting at the very bottom… with quality shoes that support students from the ground up.