The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) recently partnered with the non-profit organization Shoes That Fit to provide 500 pairs of new shoes to the students at 28th Street Elementary School. The two organizations have been partnering since 2019 when LADF funded a trailer to help Shoes That Fit serve more children in a faster manner.
“We’re really excited about this partnership with Shoes That Fit that we actually started pre-pandemic. We did a drive-thru shoe distribution during the pandemic,” said LADF CEO Nichol Whiteman. “We’re continuing to provide shoes to kids and communities who need it most.”
Dodgers Pitcher Evan Phillips and his wife Liz helped pass out and put on shoes for the students. Phillips noted how it was a “special day;” he was excited to see the students and assist them with their new shoes.
“To see these guys, the joy on their faces, getting a new pair of shoes, there’s really nothing better,” he said. “For us to come out here and make a small impact this morning is really special.”
Phillips noted how his wife Liz takes pride in being of service.
“Immersing ourselves in the community and being newer to the Dodgers, it’s been wonderful,” she said. “We’re happy and excited.”
In August 2021, the Dodgers wives partnered with LADF to host a “Spouses Favorite Things Auction.” With the help of fans, they raised $20,000 which went to support Shoes That Fit. Southern California is the largest area that Shoes That Fit serves, according to CEO and executive director Amy Fass. She exclaimed how they “love working with the Dodgers.”
“We provide brand new athletic shoes to kids so they can feel good about themselves and participate in sports,” she said. “We want the kids to have what they want and if we say we’re gonna give them something, we’re gonna give them what they need.”
The community around 28th Street Elementary school has been enduring tough times. It was the area where the LAPD accidentally caused a fireworks explosion that damaged 35 properties, injured 17 people and displaced many residents. Some residents are still displaced and live in a hotel.
“It’s very important for us to continue to support communities like this as they’re still going through trauma related to that event and frankly logistical nightmares related to that event as well,” Whiteman said. “Shoes are something that are so simple, but there are families who are choosing between shoes and putting food on the table and many other things.”
