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Pack with Pride for My New Red Shoes

This July, fifteen 100W members each volunteered “100 Minutes” to pack 883 gift bags for students in need.  The gift bags were gifted to various agencies that help children and youth in need  including  Riley Center,  Asian Women’s Shelter, St. Joseph’s, Raphael House,  St. Anthony Foundation, and the Salvation Army.

My New Red Shoes, a past 100W grant recipient, provides children and youth with new shoes and a back-to-school shopping experience to fulfill a basic need and remove barriers to school success for children.  Read some of the children’s stories:

Ron – a gifted nine year old – was forced to live out of his family’s car with his brother and mother.  When they came to the shelter, they were relieved to have a safe place to rest.   His family lives with limited resources and Ron must wear the same clothes and shoes.  Ron’s transient lifestyle has led to him to difficulties with bullying, depression, and low self esteem.  This upcoming year Ron is transferring schools, so a new pair of shoes and a clean outfit would boost his confidence and set him off on the right foot.

Often families struggle to provide clothes and shoes for their children especially trying to keep up with the rate in which they grow. One single  father shared that some of his children had been teased for their appearance; their pants too are short and they wear old sandals with socks. Through My New Red Shoes, each child received new shoes and a school uniform. They were SO ecstatic when they received the items.  The following day a professional from the shelter realized the youngest had not been given a pair of shoes and was still wearing his worn pair of sandals.  During Family Activity she called the boy over to try on a new pair of sneakers.  With excitement he wrestled them on assuring her they fit well, but he seemed unclear how to walk in them. It was at that point that it dawned on her that he had never worn a pair of sneakers before.  He walked slowly back toward his father, staring at his shoes, speeding up and slowing down, jumping and kicking his feet up to show off his new sneaks—and saying thank you over and over.

Got 100 Minutes?

Here’s the latest opportunity for our 100 Women members to participate in a “100 Minutes” volunteer event supporting past grant winner My New Red Shoes!

My New Red Shoes believes that all children should have the opportunity to fully engage in the school experience–regardless of their economic status. It’s Clothing for Confidence Program removes barriers to school attendance by providing disadvantaged school age children with the gift of a pair of new shoes and the opportunity to shop for new school clothing at the start of the school year.

In preparation for My New Red Shoes‘ annual back-to-school gift distribution, 10,000 personalized gift bags will be individually packed with love by community volunteers. Volunteering with My New Red Shoes at one of their “Pack for Pride” sessions is a fun and rewarding way to help our community’s poorest children.

Please join your 100 Women friends on Thursday, July 14th from 2 pm to 5 pm at My New Red Shoes in Redwood City for a Pack for Pride session.

Join the Fun at My New Red Shoes!

Sobrato Center for Non-Profits – Redwood Shores

330 Twin Dolphin Drive, Sutie 135

Redwood City, CA 94065

650-241-3911

To sign up, or for more information please contact Jeanne Chan at jamcake53@comcast.net.

Come join in the fun with your fellow 100 Women members…a great way to give back and get to know one of the wonderful non-profits our foundation has supported.

There are 20 volunteer spots to fill!

We encourage our members to bring with them a donation of a new pair of shoes. Here are the guidelines:

• Condition: Shoes must be NEW.
• Style: Shoes must be “school appropriate sneakers” (i.e. rubber soles, with laces or velcro) for children and youth in kindergarten through high school. Please DO NOT donate open-toed, sandals, flip flops, ballet flats, dress shoes or boots.
• Sizes: Girl’s shoes accepted: Girls 8 – Women’s 12; Boy’s shoes accepted: Boys 8 – Men’s 18
• Color: Solid black and/or white shoes work best. We strongly discourage donations of blue or red shoes due to color restrictions at some schools.
• Other: There is no need to provide the price tag or shoebox, but include a donation card (donation cards will be provided at the office)
  

2015 Grant Winners

At the 9th annual Dinner and Grant Vote, our membership gave away three $45,000 impact grants to the Bill Wilson Drop in Center for Homeless Youth, Child Advocates of Silicon Valley and Elevate Tutoring.  Three $12,000 investment grants were awarded to the Santa Clara Valley Blind Center, Services for Brain Injury, and the Silicon Valley Urban Debate League.  It was an inspiring night as these six organizations shared their stories with the 100W members and guests.