Shoes That Fit launches back-to-school shoe drive for students nationwide

Shoes That Fit has opened its annual Back to School campaign to provide new athletic shoes to children across the U.S., with donations matched up to $45,000 through Sept. 11. The effort aims to help students start school with confidence, comfort and better access to learning and activities.

Why it matters: - New, properly fitting athletic shoes can affect how students feel in class, on the playground and among their peers. - The campaign is aimed at children who may start school at a disadvantage because their families are cutting back on nonessential purchases. - Shoes That Fit says the need is growing as more families face pressure from the cost of food, gas and other basics.

What happened: - Shoes That Fit launched its annual Back to School campaign for students nationwide. - The nonprofit is working with educators and school staff to distribute new, name-brand athletic shoes to children who need them most. - The campaign runs now through Sept. 11. - Donations to the campaign will be matched up to $45,000 by a supporter. - Donations can be made at the campaign page.

The details: - Amy Fass, Shoes That Fit CEO and executive director, said the campaign theme is “Forward.” - Fass said the goal is to help children move forward with confidence, ready to learn, belong and thrive. - The organization is based in Claremont, California, and is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit. - Shoes That Fit focuses on providing children in need with new athletic shoes so they can attend school with dignity and joy. - The nonprofit says it delivered new athletic shoes to more than 218,000 children across all 50 states last year. - Shoes That Fit was named a California Nonprofit of the Year. - The organization’s website is Shoes That Fit.

Between the lines: - The campaign leans on a basic school supply need that can have outsized effects on participation and self-confidence. - The matching-gift offer creates a near-term incentive to donate before the Sept. 11 deadline. - The focus on shoes reflects how small, visible gaps can signal broader hardship for families.

What's next: - Shoes That Fit will continue fundraising through Sept. 11. - The nonprofit is expected to use campaign donations to buy and distribute athletic shoes to students nationwide. - The matching funds will continue until the $45,000 cap is reached.

The bottom line: - Shoes That Fit is using its annual back-to-school drive to turn a basic need into a practical boost for students heading into the new school year.