“Anyone who wants to help an area child get their school year off on the right foot (pun
intended) can pick up a backpack from participating businesses and organizations in Claremont, La Verne, Pomona, Upland and Rancho Cucamonga and fill it with a brand new pair of sneakers, socks and school supplies,” read a Shoes That Fit press release.

Filled backpacks must be returned by July 25 to a participating business, or to Shoes That Fit at 1420 N. Claremont Blvd., Suite 204a, weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Filled backpacks will be distributed to area children in need through the schools that they attend or local social service agencies.

“Even with some schools beginning their year with remote learning, children will still need a good pair of shoes and school supplies,” the release read. “Many children will need to walk to and from their school to pick up meals, materials and assignments, and many schools are preparing to have children on campus at least part time this fall.”

Properly fitting new shoes help kids stay active, fit and engaged in school. Since 2009, the Shoes That Fit backpack campaign has helped more than 4,000 local children with the tools they need to start the school year off strong.

Shoes That Fit is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to tackle one of the most visible signs of poverty in America by giving children in need new athletic shoes to attend school with dignity and joy, prepared to learn, play and thrive.

For information, go to https://www.shoesthatfit.org or call (909) 482-0050.