As part of a $20,000 grant to Shoes That Fit, the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) will hold an event on Friday, Sept. 6 from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at Ricardo Lizarraga Elementary School in South Central Los Angeles (401 E. 40th Pl., Los Angeles, 90011) where Dodger outfielder A.J. Pollock will help distribute new shoes to 200 children. Chief of Police, Michel Moore, will also join the shoe distribution event in support of the Los Angeles Police Department’s commitment to Operation Shoes That Fit LA.

Operation Shoes That Fit LA is an on-going partnership between the non-profit Shoes That Fit and LAPD to provide new shoes to students throughout Los Angeles. Through a $20,000 grant from LADF, Shoes That Fit will reach more children, expedite deliveries and ensure shoes can get to children who need them most using a new co-branded (LADF/STF/LAPD) trailer.

“The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation is committed to addressing challenges that prevent youth from excelling in school and recreational activities. We value our continued partnership with LAPD throughout many of our youth programs and are happy to add Shoes That Fit to our list of partners. Together, we can increase the quality of life and confidence of the youth we serve, and we hope that through the gift of new shoes, this partnership will support, inspire and provide children the opportunity to thrive,’ said Nichol Whiteman, CEO LADF.

Shoes are one of the most visible signs of poverty, and they are one of the most expensive items for low-income families to provide. Too many families must choose between putting food on the table or buying new shoes for school.

“A new pair of shoes can increase a child’s confidence, attendance, and participation at school.  Educators at schools we serve report an 87% increase in self-esteem in youth and 70% increase in physical activity,” said Amy Fass, CEO and Executive Director, Shoes That Fit. “We are so excited to partner with the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation to provide brand new athletic shoes to over 600 more children in need in the Los Angeles area and use our new trailer to get shoes there fast.”

The Los Angeles Police Department has already helped over 1,000 children receive new shoes through Operation Shoes That Fit LA. Through the Community Safety Partnership Project, officers visit schools and measure children’s feet and help them try on their new shoes to ensure a perfect fit.

“Our officers are dedicated to seeing the children in our communities succeed and work hard to facilitate meaningful activities and experiences. Being a part of such a special event at a school named after one of our fallen officers is really powerful,” said Michel Moore, Chief of Police, LAPD. “Lizarraga served the Newton police station and this community and we are proud to continue his legacy of commitment through this partnership with Shoes That Fit and the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation. Together, we make a great team.”

About the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation:

Founded in 1995 as the official charity of the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation is bigger than baseball, envisioning a city where every young Angeleno, regardless of neighborhood, has the opportunity to thrive. For young Angelenos with limited access to education, sports and healthcare, the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation is a champion that increases the quality of life and confidence of the people we serve by using our historic Dodger brand and the power of sport to run and fund proven programs – at a time when a quality education, youth sports, and health care are increasingly reserved for the elite.  With the support of partners, stakeholders and fans, the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation produces incredible results on fields, in classrooms and at recreation centers, creating Major League Communities.

Visit LADF online at www.dodgers.com/ladf, follow them on Twitter, @DodgersFdn, Instagram @dodgersfoundation and like them on Facebook at /LosAngelesDodgersFoundation

About Shoes That Fit: 

A national 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Claremont, CA., Shoes That Fit tackles 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. Named a California Nonprofit of the Year, Shoes That Fit delivered new athletic shoes to approximately over 124,000 children in more than 2,600 schools across 48 states last year alone.

Help ensure that no child misses school because they don’t have shoes that fit by visiting our website  http://www.shoesthatfit.org.

(Article courtesy of LA Dodgers)

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