In Spring 2009 we participated in the walk for homelessness with My New Red Shoes, a local nonprofit that provides brand new clothing and shoes to underprivileged children in the Bay Area so that they may start their first day of school with pride. We fell in love with their simple concept that is so powerful. Who doesn't remember those first day of school jitters and worrying about what to wear? Imagine you are a homeless child, anticipating the first day of school. How wonderful to have a brand new pair of shoes and a gift card to shop for a new outfit.
We have learned a lot about the surprising statistics about the largest growing population of homeless in the Bay Area-(children under the age of 5) and wanted to share what we had learned. In May we invited friends for a Shiny Shoe Party-asking that they bring new shoes and spare change. (Would not be a ChAngels event without the change!)
We created a carnival where friends played games and and learned a fact at each station. They, too, were surprised and inspired to help other kids. We collected over $400 in change-especially thanks to Mrs. Lane-and donated over 50 pairs of shoes.
In September, we were invited to participate in the Clothing for Confidence Back to School Fashion Show that raised over $50,000 for My New Red Shoes.
We are so proud to be a part of this organization and hope you will visit their website to learn how you can lend a hand to homeless kids.
http://www.mynewredshoes.org/
1 comment:
I was invited to attend this event and was thrilled to come and to contribute some new shoes. I was impressed with the educational component to your fun games. It helped familiarize your guests with some startling facts about homelessness. Thank you for the treats, entertainment, and opportunity to learn about and support this important program.
Margaret
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