Campaign by foundation that supports school district aiming to provide 2,500 pairs of shoes to students in need

The Palm Springs Unified School District Foundation is on a mission to ensure every student has a suitable pair of sneakers through its Shoes for Students Campaign. It aims to distribute 2,500 pairs to underprivileged students before the 2024-2025 school year begins.

At issue is the fact that wearing ill-fitting shoes or none at all can significantly affect a student’s academic performance, athletic participation, and social interactions. The lack of appropriate shoes can also make students feel embarrassed to participate in class or social activities.

“Shoes are one of those basic needs that many take for granted,” said Ellen Goodman, director of The PSUSD Foundation. “But not having proper footwear can be a constant source of embarrassment, distraction, and alienation.”

Joaquin Galeano, a clinical psychologist and mental health therapist for the district, explained the profound impact that having shoes can have on a child’s success in school and overall well-being. 

“Once they get shoes, they don’t have to worry about being the odd one out, and they can just be themselves and connect with their peers,” Galeano said.

One middle school student who benefited from the program had that exact experience when wearing her new pair of shoes.  

“I used to be so shy and worried about having a best friend,” the student said, “but I got some cool shoes. Then, a girl invited me to join her book club at school. I was scared, but I did it! Now, I love to read, and we hang out and talk about books. I even started writing a story for my baby sister.”

Donating to the campaign can help give every student the confidence they need to get through a school day, and “at the end of the day, confidence is one of the most valuable resources we can provide to these kids,” said Goodman. 

“By giving new shoes, students get a chance to develop genuine confidence in their talents and capabilities,” Goodman added. “We’re giving them a tool to write their own success stories.”

This year marks the third year of the foundation’s decade-long campaign to raise funds for 2,500 shoes for students. Roughly 97% of the district’s students are socioeconomically disadvantaged, and 10% are homeless. Donations of any size can help achieve this goal. 

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Details: For more information on the Shoes for Students Campaign or to donate, visit this website.

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