A thousand local kids and teens received a new pair of shoes, thanks to San Manuel Band of Mission Indians’ Soles for the Holidays initiative.
San Manuel’s Business Committee gifted the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Redlands-Riverside $100,000 to buy shoes. Nearly 87 percent of kids and teens who attend the Club are from low-income households, and one of their consistent needs is for shoes.
“More and more, staff are reporting that more and kids are wearing worn-out and holey shoes,” Club CEO P.T. McEwen said.
The Club worked with Nike stores in Redlands and Ontario to bring youth and volunteers together for a shopping spree in mid-December.
“There are a lot of needy families out there and we’re blessed to have the opportunity to help,” San Manuel Business Committee member Audrey Martinez, who took four sisters shopping at the Redlands Nike store, said.
Volunteers from Nike, San Manuel, and Wells Fargo helped each kid and teen try on and choose a pair of shoes before the store opened to the public.
“We’re so grateful San Manuel generously met such a big need in the community,” Club senior vice president Mark Davis said. “Kids have the ability and confidence to do great things when they have a good pair of shoes.” —Joy
Posted: Dec. 18, 2019