TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — All 450 students at John B. Wright Elementary in the Garden District received a new pair of athletic shoes.
A non-profit called Shoes That Fit organized the surprise giveaway, with funding coming from Geico.
Organizers say many families can’t afford to buy their children new shoes and that can hurt their social and academic progress in school. But a new pair of shoes can make a huge difference.
“You know it really helps with their self-confidence and their self-esteem, and then also physical activity,” said Janet Lang, Senior Manager of Strategic Partnerships with Shoes That Fit. “They can’t participate in sports if they’re not wearing proper shoes. So you’re really helping the whole child.”
Shoes That Fit travels to schools around the country. They’ve served more than 100,000 kids in the last year.
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Ryan Fish is an anchor and reporter for KGUN 9 and comes to the Sonoran Desert from California’s Central Coast after working as a reporter, sports anchor and weather forecaster in Santa Barbara. Ryan grew up in the Chicago suburbs, frequently visiting family in Tucson. Share your story ideas and important issues with Ryan by emailing ryan.fish@kgun9.com or by connecting on Facebook and Twitter.
