Shoes That Fit Blog
The Shoes That Fit Blog is dedicated to give you the latest news about our organization, events, volunteers and children we help.
Contributors to this blog are selected by Shoes That Fit. Shoes That Fit reserves the right to restrict or delete any comments that are submitted to the Shoes That Fit Blog. Comments posted on the Shoes That Fit blog do not necessarily represent the opinion of Shoes That Fit or any of its affiliates.
stfadmin
Wednesday, February 15, 2012 - 14:42
Shoes That Fit is proud to announce that on March 11th our very own volunteer extraordinaire, Linda Ray, will be awarded the Heroes of the Heartland award by Stater Bros. Markets which includes $10,000 to donate to the charity of her choice!
Linda has been working her magic as a Shoes That Fit volunteer since 2004. She has led her Golden State Foods workplace in City of Industry in their Shoes That Fit endeavors, donating 2,234 pairs of brand new athletic shoes to children in need at 39 schools in eastern LA County, the Inland Empire and beyond. Linda’s site is geared to help an additional 7 schools before Spring Break. Potentially 525 more kids will be heading to school with shoes that fit—and smiles on their faces.
Linda says Shoes That Fit is more than just a workplace project.
“Partnering with Shoes That Fit not only has strengthened our community and our company’s culture,” says Linda, “but it is now a mission within my family that is being passed to a third generation.”
Linda’s Shoes That Fit work has inspired other Golden State Foods sites across the country from Washington state to North Carolina. From the beginning of the school year in August 2011 on through this past winter break, Golden State Foods chapters provided 1,674 pairs of new shoes to children in 8 states—all working with the same model Linda helped develop.
“Linda has taken time from her busy schedule to participate as a volunteer for our Foundation for many years,” says Renee Uribe, the current GSF Foundation Chair at their site. “Volunteers such as Linda are changing the lives and shaping the future for youth throughout our communities every day. She is truly an inspiration.”
“While Shoes That Fit is a national organization helping children in 40 states, we are focusing our growth in LA and Orange Counties and the Inland Empire,” says Roni Lomeli, Executive Director of Shoes That Fit. “If we could clone one volunteer to help us achieve our goals, it would be Linda Ray. By lashing her corporation’s commitment to community involvement to her personal and family passion for giving, Linda not only provides new shoes to hundreds of children each year, she inspires others to do the same.”
-->
(0)
stfadmin
Friday, January 20, 2012 - 07:55
Our Sneaker Ball celebrating Shoes That Fit's 20th Anniversary and donation of 1 million pairs of shoes is just around the corner on April 21st. We are looking for supporters willing to donate air miles to be used as part of vacation packages in our live auction during the Sneaker Ball. Can you help?
Your donations must cover coach class tickets for travel in the Continental US or to Hawaii. Please contact Roni or Diana via email or by phone at 888-715-4333 for info. Thanking you in advance for your help!
Sincerely,
Roni Lomeli
Executive Director
(0)
stfadmin
Wednesday, December 28, 2011 - 07:57
Happy Holidays from the Shoes That Fit staff! As this year comes to an end, we wanted to say Thank You to all our volunteers, donors & school liaisons for their unwavering support of our mission to provide new shoes to children in need who wouldn't otherwise have them. Your support allows these deserving children to attend school in comfort and with dignity. As we head into 2012, we look forward to our 20 Year Anniversary which we will celebrate in April & to the donation of our 1 Millionth pair of shoes! We hope you'll continue to rally around the important work being done through our programs across the U.S. and look forward to another exciting year at Shoes That Fit!
Roni, Michelle, Lee and Barbara
(0)
stfadmin
Thursday, December 15, 2011 - 09:20
Shoes That Fit is thrilled to have been granted $7,500 through Walmart's "12 Days of Giving" Holiday Campaign on Facebook! When we heard about Walmart's call for nominations, we immediately submitted photos & a description of how Shoes That Fit programs impact local communities throughout the country. A panel from the Walmart Foundation reviewed 5,400 submissions from nonprofits that are making a difference in their own communities and Shoes That Fit is proud to have been chosen on this fourth day of Christmas!
(0)
stfadmin
Friday, November 18, 2011 - 14:09
Shoes That Fit, Nordstrom and New Balance have partnered once again to provide nearly 12,000 children in need with new shoes this holiday season! Nordstrom’s Holiday Giving Tree Program, which takes place across the U.S. from November 25 through December 24 displays a holiday tree in 117 Nordstrom stores with tags you can purchase for $20. Each tag purchased represents a deserving child in your community who will receive a brand new pair of New Balance athletic shoes. So while you're out shopping this holiday season, pick a gift tag from the Giving Tree at your local Nordstrom & bring joy to a deserving child in need!
.thumbnail.jpg){kind=small}
(0)
stfadmin
Thursday, September 8, 2011 - 09:20
Last year, you made it possible for Anthony & more than 119,000 children like him to start school with his head held high. Here is what he wrote after receiving his new shoes:
"...To you people it may be nothing but to me it is a blessing. For me a new pair of shoes to come by are really hard. I'm almost dirt poor and I look all bumish but with these new shoes I won't look that bad anymore...God bless you people for throwing some joy into my life-you people are too kind!
Sincerely, Anthony"
There are thousands of children all across the country just like Anthony. They are the kids in the back of the room whose feet hurt so much that they can't concentrate, so worried about what their peers will think, they don't even participate in recess.
We are depending on you to help children like Anthony take the first step to success in school with brand new Shoes That Fit. And it's so easy to do! Donate online now, mail your check or money order or consider becoming a Sole Mate & make automatic monthly donations of as little as $10 a month to Shoes That Fit. You'll receive an acknowledgement for your tax-deductible gift and a thank you note from a child your gift has helped. As Anthony wrote, "Take care of yourselves and once again, thank you!"
(0)
stfadmin
Friday, July 8, 2011 - 14:49
With temperatures soaring here in Southern California, we are pleased to announce the number of new shoes given to children through Shoes That Fit programs is also soaring! Our program manager Lee Kane has been compiling statistics from our volunteers across the country and we are inching closer to the donation of our 1 millionth pair of shoes! As of today, Shoes That Fit has donated 989,636 pairs of new shoes & other items to children in need. Our programs are in over 1,900 schools across 40 states and growing! We will definitely be celebrating this milestone at our Sneaker Ball in April 2012!
Concerts Under the Stars fundraiser will begin July 30th & continue on August 6th & August 13th. 100% of your $55 donation goes to Shoes That Fit thanks to the Hafif Family Foundation who underwrites the entire cost of the event! Where else can you enjoy appetizers, dinner, dessert & live entertainment in a beautiful 150 acre estate nestled in the foothills of La Verne, CA?
MillerCoors will be sponsoring a shoe drive July 25th-August 8th at their Irwindale, CA facility. They have already helped children in need through their partnership with Shoes That Fit & the Irwindale Chamber of Commerce!
There are many ways you can keep up with Shoes That Fit:
- ‘LIKE’ us on facebook
- follow us on Twitter
- sign up for our eNewsletter (coming soon!)
(0)
stfadmin
Friday, May 20, 2011 - 13:22
With National Running Day on June 1st, the New York Road Runners Club has generously decided to raise funds for Shoes That Fit! You can participate in one of two ways:
1) Go for a jog on June 1st and stop at a charity check-in point. When you do, National Running Day partners will donate $1 to Shoes That Fit
2) Be part of the fundraising team by donating directly through the National Running Day Crowdrise page, created by New York Road Runners Club.
New York Road Runners youth programs promote children's fitness, character development, and personal achievement by bringing free and low-cost running programs to schools and community centers across the country.
(0)
RLomeli_Executi...
Friday, April 15, 2011 - 14:31
As National Volunteer Week is coming to an end, I want to take this time to honor our volunteer force at Shoes That Fit. Without you, we could not continue the important work of providing new shoes to children in need. You are our boots on the ground; you help the children in your own communities feel good about themselves. You make it possible for these kids to run and play and fit in with their peers at school. You help remove the stigma of poverty for so many of these deserving children. We thank you for your continued dedication, time, energy and compassion to the children you are helping through your volunteer chapters right in your own backyards. Thank you for believing that every child deserves shoes that fit!
(0)
stfadmin
Tuesday, March 15, 2011 - 14:09
Swing into spring by helping a child in need
With the official start of Spring just a few days away, Shoes That Fit is off and running with our annual Spring for Shoes campaign in the Claremont Village, CA! Campaign runs from: March 25 –April 10, 2011. Under the leadership of Joan Bunte, owner of Stamp Your Heart Out, and the generosity of merchants throughout downtown Claremont, 200 local school children in need will be treated to new athletic shoes, socks and other goodies. Participation is as easy as 1, 2, 3!
- You choose an empty basket with a child’s name, age and shoe size from any participating merchant
- Fill the basket with a new pair of shoes, socks and treats
- Return the basket to the store you picked it up from
And since you’ll already be in The Village picking up your Shoes That Fit basket to help a child in need feel great returning to school from spring break, hop around to some of the other participating merchants and pick up a few springtime goodies for yourself, too!
For more information or a complete list of participating merchants, contact Joan Bunte at Stamp Your Heart Out 909-621-4363
(2)
stfadmin
Thursday, February 10, 2011 - 15:08
Shoes That Fit is getting closer to reaching our goal of providing 1 million pairs of shoes to kids in need thanks, in part, to Rack Room Shoes!
Since Shoes That Fit partnered with Rack Room Shoe Stores during the fall of 2007, nearly 63,000 pairs of new shoes have been provided to children in need through Rack Room's volunteer efforts. All 390 stores across 26 states have been involved in raising funds to support the Shoes That Fit program in the communities each store serves. Here's just a sample of the many letters of appreciation received from a Principal at one the many schools helped by Rack Room:
"After the new shoes were distributed, a young girl came to me and gave me her empty shoe box. I asked her how she enjoyed her new shoes and a big smile came across her face. As she sat down, I tossed the box into a nearby recycling container. Fifteen minutes or so later I saw her with the box again as she walked into classroom. When I asked her if there was something in the box that she needed, she shared with me that she wanted to keep the box. She had never received a new pair of shoes before and had no idea that new shoes came in boxes. That box was truly special to her...keep up the good work. You are making a difference in the lives of children."
(0)
stfadmin
Monday, January 3, 2011 - 11:24
Happy New Year Everyone! 2010 was a challenging year for many families across the country but your gifts and support through volunteerism have helped children start the new year on the right foot and for that, we say Thank You!
There is much work ahead in 2011 but we know that with your support, we will continue to help children in need attend school in comfort and with dignity. We are also very excited about our upcoming 20 year anniversary and donation of 1 million pairs of shoes in 2012. We hope you'll join us in celebrating these milestones at The Sneaker Ball! Since kids say it best, we thought we'd share with you some Thank You letters written by children helped through Shoes That Fit in 2010:
Thanks for giving us shoes...I hope you guys keep helping people that can't afford this stuff. Thanks for giving poor people stuff they really need. God bless you. You guys rock! -Juan
Thank you for the shoes. Why did you make the organization? I'm sure you'll help many kids. Nice work! -Adrian
First off I would like to say thank you so much for the free shoes. To you people it maybe nothing but to me this is a blessing. For me a new pair of shoes to come by are extremly difficult. Im almost dirt poor and I look all bumish but with these new shoes I wont look that bad anymore! I really love the shoes you sent me and im gonna make them last as long as possible! God bless you people for throwing some joy into my life you people are too kind! Take care of yourselfs and once again thank you! Sincerely, Anthony
(0)
RLomeli_Executi...
Monday, December 13, 2010 - 10:34
The holidays are here again. Bright lights, homemade cookies and the warmth of family and friends make us grateful for all we have. But not everyone is having a happy holiday this year. Today, more than ever, there are families who need your help. Shoes are one of the most expensive necessities parents or guardians must provide for their children and if a family has to choose between food on the table or replacing their children's worn and ripped shoes, the stomachs usually win.
You, our generous contributors and Shoes That Fit volunteers are making a difference for these children every day. By helping even just a few kids, you are easing the burden on your entire community. Times are hard and you are going above and beyond to make things better in your own backyard. It's not too late to help a child in need this holiday season.
Thank You for all you do through Shoes That Fit. I wish you a warm and wonderful holiday season and all the best in the new year.
(0)
stfadmin
Thursday, November 18, 2010 - 11:20
As we head into this holiday season, Shoes That Fit is thankful for all of our wonderful contributors and volunteers! Thousands of children across the country are given hope through the simple gift of a new pair of shoes and YOU make that possible.
There are many easy ways you can continue to help kids in need while preparing for the holidays. Here are just a few ideas to get you started…
· While shopping at ANY Nordstrom store across the U.S., pick a gift tag from the “Giving Tree” to help a local child receive a new pair of New Balance shoes.
· For each $50 donation in honor of someone, we will send one plain wrapped empty shoe box to your loved one with a note from you explaining that the box is empty because shoes were given to a child in need in their name. Also included will be a thank you note we received from a child helped by Shoes That Fit.
· Your little one will be thrilled with the story of “Flip Flop Flo, the Know-It-All” written by Gloria Barone Rosanio. Sales of this wonderful children’s book benefit Shoes That Fit!
· Vons & Safeway grocery stores throughout California now carry Causes Gift Cards! This card allows you to give the gift of giving; whomever you give them to can make a donation to any non-profit in the U.S. including Shoes That Fit! (purchase of the gift card is tax deductible).
· Instead of the usual workplace gift exchange or “secret Santa”, ask your coworkers to purchase a new pair of athletic shoes or make a small donation to Shoes That Fit.
Happy Thanksgiving!
(0)
RLomeli_Executi...
Monday, November 1, 2010 - 15:01
Help us celebrate our 20th Anniversary and 1 million pairs of shoes!
Can you believe it? Shoes That Fit has been providing new shoes to children in need across the U.S. since 1992! As we approach our 20th anniversary & donation of our 1 millionth pair of shoes, we look to you, our loyal contributors for inspiration.
We will be celebrating these milestones in April 2012 and we need your help in giving our gala a name. Please submit your idea for our event name which best describes both our 20th anniversary & the milestone of providing our 1 millionth pair of shoes.
The winning entry will receive 2 free tickets to our gala!
Please submit your entry by November 30th, 2010 to barbara@shoesthatfit.org with the subject line “Name Our Gala”
Sincerely,
Roni
(0)
stfadmin
Friday, October 8, 2010 - 14:17
As a national charity, Shoes That Fit has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance as having met their 20 vigorous Standards for Charity Accountability. We are very proud of this recognition and are eligible to participate in their Charity Seal Program. The Charity Seal is a highly recognizable symbol and according to the BBB, “the goal of the Alliance seal program is to offer a highly visible accountability tool that will help inform donors, will assist charities in establishing their commitment to ethical practices, and will encourage greater confidence in giving.”
As a seal holder organization, Shoes That Fit could use the Charity Seal logo to promote our newly recognized status with the BBB in print, on our website and social media sites such as facebook and Twitter. Although participation in the Charity Seal program is voluntary, there is a licensing fee required for use of this seal by Shoes That Fit. The annual fee is based on the amount of contributions received in the past fiscal year. Although we are ecstatic about our status as a BBB accredited charity which confirms and demonstrates our commitment to accountability and ethical practices, we firmly believe the $2,000 annual fee for the Seal Program would be much better spent on purchasing new shoes for children in need. We hope you agree.
(0)
stfadmin
Thursday, September 9, 2010 - 13:44
Shoes That Fit chapters across the country (35 states, to be exact) are gearing up for the fall season of helping children in need receive new shoes for school. We are so excited about all the children attending school in comfort and with dignity because of our volunteer force and generous community members like YOU!
- Here in our Emergency Warehouse, we received over 250 pairs of new shoes from our friends at California Sporting Goods Association, the non-profit arm of Division Six Sports and Forde-McGovern & Associates.
- Village Marketing Group helped 400 children return to school with new shoes, socks, backpacks & school supplies!
Don't miss these upcoming events:
- Ruby's Diner in Newport Beach, CA will hold a Shoes That Fit "Fun"Raiser Friday, Sept.24th, 7am-10pm. They will donate 20% of all food sales to us when you present this flyer!
- Justice Jog 2010 in Century City, CA Sunday, Oct. 17, 8am-10:30am Support Shoes That Fit through this 5K Walk/Run hosted by Greater Los Angeles Association of Legal Administrators. More info & registration at glaala.org!
(0)
MSiegel_Develop...
Thursday, September 2, 2010 - 10:50
The workers of Ontario’s UPS Facilities have hearts and minds that are intent on giving back to the community they live and work in. 150 pairs of shoes came to the Shoes That Fit headquarters as part of the United Way campaign at UPS, a gift for 150 lucky local children in need, as they head off to school. Our staff spoke to the workers as they began their work day over the course of several days, and they all stepped up to the challenge of helping make the first day of school special for children living in poverty. We thank these big hearted fellows for their compassion and get-it-done action.
(0)
stfadmin
Thursday, August 26, 2010 - 08:26
When a gentleman with a British accent began phoning our headquarters here in Claremont, CA asking to speak to executive director Roni Lomeli, we thought nothing out of the ordinary. When he called again but preferred not to identify himself or leave a message, our interest was peaked. After his third call, he gladly told us his name was John Cooke and he was a correspondent for the National Enquirer! The Enquirer was doing a series of articles entitled, Acts of Kindness which spotlights individuals or organizations that are making a difference and improving the lives of others around them. With an average of 576,000 copies sold each week, we are thrilled about the possibilities this article could bring. Whatever your opinion of the magazine, we think Mr. Cooke did a fantastic job of capturing who and what Shoes That Fit is all about! Click on the image below to read the full article.
(0)
stfadmin
Wednesday, August 4, 2010 - 11:35
- Saturday, August 14th, Grassroots Acoustica will hold a fundraising concert for Shoes That Fit! The event takes place at The Talking Stick Coffee Lounge, a no-frills coffeehouse in Venice, CA. In lieu of a cover charge, the musicians keep collection baskets on the tables for patrons to contribute to. None of the musicians is paid; Grassroots Acoustica doesn't take any kind of cut; 100% of any money that ends up in their baskets will go to Shoes That Fit. Without ever charging a cover, Grassroots Acoustica's 37 shows to date have raised $28,860 for L.A.-area non-profit organizations.
- Saturday, August 28, 2nd ANNUAL SCHEELS SHOES THAT FIT 10K/5K/1K Youth Fun Run The proceeds of this fundraiser will benefit children in Des Moines, IA through our volunteer chapter at OnMedia Location: SCHEELS Jordan Creek Town Center, West Des Moines, IA
- United Way Campaigns are now underway. If your employer offers charitable contributions through payroll deductions through UW, you can write in “Shoes That Fit” as the charity of your choice. Live United!
(0)
stfadmin
Thursday, July 29, 2010 - 14:56
You can help a child start school on the right foot! Beginning July 31, the annual Shoes That Fit For School campaign kicks off in downtown Claremont, CA. This campaign, a project of the Village Marketing Group provides 400 children with new shoes, socks, backpacks and school supplies. The campaign will run July 31 – August 15
Visit a participating store in the Village to pick up a free backpack. Each backpack has a child's name, gender, age and shoe size. You purchase athletic shoes, socks & school supplies then simply return the backpack to the store you picked it up from!
Here is a partial list of participating businesses:
- Stamp Your Heart Out
- Some Crust Bakery
- LePain Quotidien,
- Sonja Stump Photography
- Studio Claremont
- Young Chefs Academy
- Curves
- The Diamond Center
- Colors 91711
- Lizzie's Gold Mine
- Bert and Rocky's Cream Company
- Saca's Mediterranean Cuisine
- Aromatique
- First City Credit Union
- Claremont Village Treasures
- No Sugar Added
- Dr. Grubb's
With so many families struggling just to buy groceries, many children will return to school this year wearing the same worn out and torn shoes as last year...You can make a difference for one of these children and with all the sales going on in the village, you're sure to find a bargain or two for yourself or your own children! See you in the Village!
(0)
RLomeli_Executi...
Tuesday, July 27, 2010 - 11:52
After 30 years as an employee of the City of La Verne, my husband Marty Lomeli will step down as City Manager. His support and encouragement have been invaluable to me, which in turn, has helped Shoes That Fit tremendously over the years.
With all the free time on his hands, we will certainly welcome him here at Shoes That Fit as our newest volunteer. He is in for a real treat!
(0)
stfadmin
Tuesday, July 6, 2010 - 10:37
July has just begun but lots of awesome things are already happening to help kids in need through Shoes That Fit.
- Blues & Brews fundraiser July 3rd was a sold out event with 850 people in attendance, not to mention the great jazz & blues bands playing throughout the Village. Thanks to all our supporters who came out; we all had a blast!
- Concert Under the Stars Fundraiser at the estate of Herb & Kay Hafif in La Verne, CA begins July 24th & continues the following two Saturdays. Tickets still available, call or email our office today!
- Back to School Campaign in the Claremont Village, CA begins July 31st! Be on the lookout for more detail & sparticipating vendors coming soon!
- $10,000 in grants received today from BCM Foundation & the Walter Lantz Foundation!
- You can also follow us on facebook or twitter!
(0)
RLomeli_Executi...
Tuesday, June 29, 2010 - 07:53
Blues & Brews is a new fundraiser happening in the Claremont Village July 3rd! For only $30 (advance ticket purchase), you can stroll in to over 25 businesses hosting beer tasting from local artisans throughout the Village and listen to some blues and jazz bands, too! Shoes That Fit staff, myself included, will be on hand to greet you at the check-in station at the Train Depot. Come on by & say “Hi”. You’ll be helping Shoes That Fit help kids in need and we'd love to meet you, our generous supporters. See you in the Village!
(0)
- 1 of 2
- ››
Archive
- September 2009 (1)
- January 2010 (2)
- February 2010 (1)
- March 2010 (3)
- April 2010 (3)
- May 2010 (2)
- June 2010 (3)
- July 2010 (3)
- August 2010 (2)
- September 2010 (2)
Categories
© 2009-2011 Shoes That Fit
1420 N. Claremont Blvd.Suite 107B, Claremont, CA 91711
Toll Free: (888) 715-4333 Phone#: (909) 482-0050 Fax: (909) 482-0085
1420 N. Claremont Blvd.Suite 107B, Claremont, CA 91711
Toll Free: (888) 715-4333 Phone#: (909) 482-0050 Fax: (909) 482-0085