Our seventh charitable organization is Shoes That Fit. Shoes that Fit began in Claremont, California in 1992. Today, Shoes That Fit is helping children in need in thousands of schools across America.
Shoes That Fit gives kids much-needed new shoes so that they can go to school in comfort and with dignity and focus on their studies rather than their circumstances. Every penny donated goes directly to benefit a child.
I love this approach to helping children stay warm while also boosting their self esteem. It sucks to be that kid who looks different because your family can’t afford to send you to school in new shoes like everyone else. You may remember my own story about helping out a child who needed new shoes. It made a world of difference to him. And to me. Helping others does that. It makes you feel good.
Shoes that Fit receives no government funding at all. You can make a donation by clicking here. You can also donate by phone (888.715.4333) or by mail. You can send your check to:
Shoes That Fit
1420 N. Claremont Blvd.
Suite 107B
Claremont, CA 91711
You can also donate in kind. If you have a new pair of athletic shoes to donate, send an email to info@shoesthatfit.org to find a chapter near you. The organization’s wish list also includes:
- New boys’ and girls’ athletic shoes – sizes youth 10 through adult 12.
- New underwear and socks.
- Assorted clothing appropriate for school, including: pants or jeans, knit shirts, sweaters, hoodies and warm jackets.
- Gift cards are always welcome from Target, Payless, Rack Room, Wal-Mart and other major retailers.
A search at irs.gov (which I highly recommend any time you are considering making a donation) confirms that Shoes That Fit is on the IRS list of charitable organizations as a public charity.
For tax tips to keep in mind when making charitable gifts, check out this prior post.
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