There is still time to be a part of Shoes That Fit’s annual Back to School campaign.

Just pick up an empty backpack—tagged with the name, gender, shoe size and grade of a child—from among the more than a dozen participating Village businesses. As a Back to School Buddy, you can fill the pack with a pair of brand-new athletic shoes, socks and school supplies, items that can make a life-changing difference for a child in need.

Backpacks are still available at the following Claremont businesses, and should be returned by Sunday, July 28 to The Green Gypsie, Heirloom, Some Crust Bakery, Stamp Your Heart Out, The Last Drop Café, Nectar, The Bath Workshop and Dr. Grubbs.

This year, Some Crust owner Larry Feemster is celebrating 20 years of having a Shoes That Fit board in his business allowing customers to help support low-income kids from their head to their toes. Because his board is the first of its kind in Claremont, Roni Lomeli, director of the nonprofit, has deemed it “the motherboard.”

For Mr. Feemster, lending a hand to the nonprofit is a no-brainer.

“I grew up in an environment that in today’s terms you would say was very disadvantaged,” he said. “I know what it’s like to be without, so Shoes That Fit has always been very near and dear to my heart.

For more information on Shoes That Fit’s Back to School campaign, contact Susan Pearson of The Bath Workshop (175 N. Indian Hill Blvd. #100A, Claremont) at (909) 625-3417. 

Brews ‘n Shoes

Claremont Craft Ales (CCA) is also pitching in to help raise money and garner shoes to help with Shoe’s That Fit’s mission.

The craft brewers, who first opened the doors of their tasting room in August of last year, will be celebrating their one-year anniversary on Saturday, July 27 with an extravaganza. The event features handmade arcade games and 20 beers on tap, including new releases and old favorites. First anniversary commemorative merchandise will also be debuted at this event.

Food will be available from local merchants, including Euro Café, The Corner Butcher, Southern Fried Vegan and Nick’s Crafty Creations, whose beer-inspired baked goods include homemade doggie treats.

There will be 2 sessions of the anniversary party, one running from noon to 4 p.m. and the second running from 5 to 9 p.m. 

CCA’s in-house DJ and the band Rex Holmes will perform during the evening session will provide music for the afternoon session.  

The entrance for beer drinkers is $20, with admission including a commemorative anniversary glass and 5 pours of beers. Admission for designated drivers and children are $5.

Anyone who brings a new pair of brand-new athletic shoes in size 10 youth to adult 12, boy or girl, gets entered into a special raffle. Designated drivers and children who bring a pair of shoes get in free and also get put in the raffle.

Tickets are available at the Claremont Craft Ales tasting room (1420 N. Claremont Blvd., 204-C, Claremont) on Wednesday, 4 to 8 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, 4 to 9 p.m.; and Saturday, 2 to 9 pm. Tickets are also available online at BrownPaperTickets.com/event/416217.

For information, visit www.claremontcraftales.com, email info@claremontcraftales.com or call (909) 625-5350.