Though shopping for back-to-school shoes is a ritual for many families, plenty of others can’t afford it. Hand-me-down shoes often are worn out, don’t fit properly and even can be unsafe.
Shoes That Fit tries to change that. The nonprofit works with local community groups and businesses to find schools with children who need shoes, says Lee Kane, program manager for Shoes That Fit. The children are measured and receive new athletic shoes donated by those groups, she says.
Shoes are a tough issue for many families for several reasons, she says.
“They’re expensive. Kids grow out of them so fast and wear out of them so fast,” Miss Kane says. “You can wear a used coat that’s in good shape, but used shoes are really difficult for kids.”
The group, founded in 1992 and based in Claremont, Calif., also provides clothing and other items, she says. During the last school year, the group provided more than 95,000 new items to children in need, she says.
To donate or find out how your local community group can help, call 888/715-4333 or visit www.shoesthatfit.org.
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