Part of the excitement of growing up is growing out of clothes and into bigger sizes. That’s supposed to be a fun time. While clothes can be handed down generation to generation, sadly shoes aren’t durable enough. When they become worn out, unlike a favorite pair of jeans or that favorite shirt, they’re pretty much not worth keeping. Except when you don’t have any other shoes or options. Then they continue to be worn even beyond their practical lifetime.
Santa Clara Rotary, in partnership with the Santa Clara Unified School District (SCUSD), has an answer. On Saturday, Oct. 5, hundreds of families from SCUSD schools came to Mission College’s Hospitality Management building and left with smiles on their faces and new socks and shoes on their feet. They were there for Steps 4 Success, a program started by the Santa Clara Rotary in 1996.
As each family arrived, they received a goody bag, a new book, a new pair of socks and a new pair of shoes. Many of the kids decided to wear their shoes home. Some jumped as high as they could, while others “ran so fast,” a volunteer said, “I could barely see you.” After getting their new shoes, the children were treated to face painting, arts and crafts, a bounce house and even a free treat from the Kona Ice Truck.
“We are honored to be able to provide these kids with a new pair of quality shoes that they can proudly wear to school,” Assistant Santa Clara Police Chief Dan Winter, the Event Chair for Steps 4 Success. “This was a collaborative effort between our School District and the Rotary Club of Santa Clara. It turned out to be a great day of fun for all involved.”
For more information about the Rotary Club of Santa Clara, visit their website: https://portal.clubrunner.ca/4212
