We’re celebrating a milestone with one of our amazing partners: Rack Room Shoes!
The national shoe retailer has partnered with Shoes That Fit for 15 years, giving over 450,000 kids brand-new shoes to wear to school. This past year, they broke their record and raised more than $2 million to help over 37,000 children get the shoes they need to learn, play, and thrive.
Rack Room Shoes associates invite their customers to join in helping a local school, so it’s truly a community endeavor. Often, the schools bring the kids to their local store to “shop” as the Rack Room Shoes associates help them find the perfect fit. The kids love it! For many, this is the first time they’ve been shoe-shopping somewhere besides the thrift store. And the expert help in fitting makes sure that each kid not only comes out with shoes that fit perfectly, but they also feel cared for and important.
One teacher in Jackson, Mississippi, whose students received new shoes, shared:
“I cannot thank Rack Room Shoes enough for this generous program. It is truly life changing for many students! One particular time that almost brought me to tears was when one of the kindergarten boys was so amazed by his new “light up tennis shoes” that he kept stomping his feet OVER AND OVER again in absolute delight. His classroom teacher was with him while he was doing this and she said to me, “This is the FIRST time I have ever seen this child smile!””
“I am humbled and grateful for the outpouring of support from our customers. Their generosity and understanding of the impact a new pair of shoes can have for a local family in need, is truly remarkable.” Rack Room Shoes President and CEO Mark Lardie said. “Together, with the support of our customers, we have been able to make a real difference in the lives of so many children. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Shoes That Fit by partnering to bring hope to children in need.”
Amy Fass, CEO and Executive Director of Shoes That Fit, shared what this partnership means:
“Children and families facing poverty around the country need our support. We are humbled by the enthusiastic and loyal support of the Rack Room Shoes team and their customers. We are thankful for their generosity in bringing new athletic shoes to kids so they can attend school with dignity and joy, prepared to learn, play, and thrive.”
We are so thankful to celebrate milestones like this with our partners. Thank you for all you do, Rack Room Shoes!
Feeling inspired to get your team involved? Get in touch and help children facing the challenges of poverty feel the comfort and confidence of brand-new shoes.