2022 Highlights

Our Annual New Shoe Drive Fundraiser was a tremendous success! We are so incredibly thankful and appreciative of the generosity of 55 supporters including Target and Academy! Thanks to everyone's help,
we received 43 pairs of new shoes and we raised
$2,665, for a total of
160 pairs of new shoes!! 
(Keep scrolling to see all the pics!)

Read the press release from Fort Worth ISD!

160 pairs of new shoes were delivered to T.A. Sims Elementary School on October 17, 2022, Maggie's Birthday. We are thankful for Principal Andrea Harper, FWISD School Board Member Anne Darr, the school Counselor and Social Worker, and the many teachers who helped the students find new shoes! Our Board Members Claudia Villanueva, Sarah Rubinson, and Gene Nichols were a huge help along with Grant Rubinson. 

As the students tried on new shoes, I noticed their current shoes were very worn. Some soles were coming apart and I wondered how long the kids had worn shoes that were falling apart.

We got to know the students a little bit, finding out their names, favorite colors, and favorite classes in school. Almost all of the children had smiles on their faces... there was one child who did not find a pair of shoes that fit him. We made sure he received a gift card to pick out a new pair of shoes that he will love! We also noticed every single student said thank you before leaving the event, they were patient with one another, and they cleaned up after themselves. What a tremendous group of students!! 

"Two of the girls that I helped were friends in the fifth grade. They wanted to try on all the different shoes and seemed indifferent to each pair. Separately, they both selected the very first pair they tried on: pink shiny high tops. When they met back together with their new shoes, they were giggling with excitement to discover that they were twins!" Sarah Rubinson, Board Member

"The kids were so happy and excited! It brought joy to my heart to see them picking out shoes and able to take them home. I could see the kids really did need new shoes." Claudia Villanueva, Board Member

"Some of the students were quiet and reserved when they came up to get their shoes. They seemed nervous and unsure. It was obvious when they tried on the right shoe because a smile spread across their faces. Their anxiety melted and they were proud to show their teachers and their classmates their new shoes!" Sarah Rubinson, Board Member

"The principal's reaction and attitude brought me so much joy. I could tell that she is a great leader, and her kind demeanor really impressed me. She really cares about her students and staff." Claudia Villanueva, Board Member

We are so thankful - beyond words thankful - to our supporters. You created this joy! You donated new shoes from our wish list, you donated funds so we could buy new shoes, you supported the mission and... you did it all in my mother's name. 

If I could tell my Mom about the shoe delivery, I'd tell her this: "Mom, it's been 2 years since we lost you. Two years, and people are still saying your name. They're still remembering you, and +60 people came together to carry on a mission you started without even realizing it! " I think that would make her smile. She knew the pain of living through childhood poverty. She wanted to ease that pain for as many students and families as she could. I am proud to say my Mom is still helping students and families... all through her name... all because of you. Thank you. 

See you next year! We'll get things kickin' again in 2023! 
<3 Lisa (Maggie's daughter) Founder, President