Shoes That FIt
1420 N. Claremont Blvd. Suite 204A
Claremont, CA 91711
Shoes That Fit is a great organization with a singular purpose which is to ensure that every child has a pair of shoes that fit. I recently had the opportunity to interview Amanda Faught Nelson, the Donor Relations and Community Manager, to find out more about this wonderful organization.
Amanda, Tell me about the work Shoes That Fit does and how it came to be? And how does it differentiate from other organizations?
Shoes That Fit tackles one of the most visible signs of poverty by giving new athletic shoes to kids in need. We do this so they are better prepared to learn, play and thrive at school with dignity and joy. We got our start in Claremont, CA in 1992 when our founder was out to dinner with some friends. She overheard a local nurse talking about a boy who had come to her office crying in pain. His toes had been curled under and shoved into his shoes. The nurse had no choice but to rub his feet, put his shoes back on, and send him back to class. Our founder couldn't get the image of this little boy out of her head. The next day, she mobilized colleagues and within two days, raised 40 pairs of shoes for a local school. Twenty six years later, we help more than 120,000 kids each year in 45 states (plus DC and Puerto Rico!) with just a small staff of nine. We are able to do this by working with donors, volunteers, foundations and corporations.
How does Shoes That Fit benefit the community?
Children are our future! When you give a child a new pair of shoes, you are giving them confidence, hope, dignity and joy. We also find that our program provides great meaning to the volunteers and donors who participate. People are able to make a big impact right in their very own communities!
How did you become involved in the organization?
I was committed to making a career change and transitioned from sports TV to the nonprofit sector with Shoes That Fit a year and a half ago. It has been the most rewarding experience personally and professionally.
What results has Shoes That Fit achieved and how has it improved over time and what are your goals let’s say over the next 3-5 years?
Since our founding in 1992, we help more than 120,000 kids each year. Our goal is to double the amount of kids we serve over the next five years.
What do you personally spend the most time on?
I am the Donor Relations and Communications Manager with Shoes That Fit.
What are some of the challenges being a non-profit faces?
There are so many wonderful non-profits out there and we understand people work hard for their money. It's not a competition! Any positive change in the world is a good one but spreading your message and raising awareness about your brand can be a challenge. We are not solving poverty - we are just hoping to alleviate one of the most obvious signs of poverty for young kids. Trust us, shoes make a big difference!
What gives you the most pleasure/joy being a part of Shoes That Fit?
I love seeing the looks on the kid's faces when they get their shoes. You can really see the impact. They stand up tall. They put them on and run around. They laugh and play. They act like kids and it's so touching - all because of a simple pair of shoes.
Is there anything that you wish more people knew about Shoes That Fit or any issues you are trying to solve?
Join us! Changing the life of a kid is really this easy.
What would make the greatest difference at helping Shoes That Fit get better at what it does?
Support! We need people, money, resources, partners, more volunteers. Anyone who wants to help a child in need CAN!
How can individuals and corporations help Shoes That Fit further accomplish its goals?
Pick up the phone or click on the button. We are flexible and can work with you to achieve your personal (or corporate) giving goals.