‘Kicks for Kids’ Virtual Shoe Drive Helps Katy ISD Students in Need

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS

April 7, 2021

By Natalie Cook Clark

Compassion Katy and Your Total Foot Care Specialist are hosting the “Kicks for Kids” Shoe Drive now through May 7. Footwear collected from the virtual shoe drive will benefit elementary school students in Katy ISD.

Now through May 7, anyone can easily purchase shoes online through the local non-profit organization, Compassion Katy. The shoes will then be delivered to Your Total Foot Care Specialist, a podiatrist group in Katy that will distribute them to the Katy ISD elementary schools identified as Title 1 for the 2020-21 school year.

1500 Pairs of Shoes Wanted

Compassion Katy and Your Total Foot Care Specialist’s goal is to aid in ensuring that each Katy ISD student in need has adequate footwear. Through this shoe drive, they hope to collect 1500 pairs of shoes for students in need.

“We have had many discussions with teachers and counselors about the negative effects associated when children do not have shoes that fit,” says Jennifer Hart, Executive Director of Compassion Katy. “This anxiety is too often a reality for under-resourced children.”

There are 18 Title 1 schools in Katy ISD, and Hart says there is a considerable need for students to have proper footwear – at least 100 pairs.

“Our goal is to provide a shoe closet to each Title 1 school that teachers can use as a resource to help ease the child’s stress by providing them with a new pair of shoes,” says Hart.

Cyril Thomas, Administrator of Your Total Foot Care Specialist, says this year’s shoe drive will be completely virtual. Each pair of shoes costs $20.

“Online donations allow our donors to give more easily and provides us with the ability to deliver the exact footwear that is needed for the Katy ISD students going back to school,” says Cyril Thomas.

“New shoes can provide the foundation for success in numerous areas of school, whether it be with increased physical activity or self confidence in the classroom,” says Dr. James Jacobs, Medical Director of Your Total Foot Care Specialist.

Compassion Katy connects businesses, churches, and local organizations. Their goal is to provide access to social services for under-resourced and economically challenged families. The organization serves families in Katy and West Houston.

For more information on Compassion Katy, visit their website.

Purchase a pair of shoes for the “Kicks for Kids” virtual shoe drive here.