In an effort to meet the increased need among underprivileged, low-income students in the Albuquerque Public Schools System, Shoes on a Shoestring is partnering with APS Education Foundation to host its’ 2nd Annual holiday gift giving program – “The Giving Tree” – between November 20th – December 14th.
There are over 6,000 homeless children in the APS School System, and 68% (60,000) of APS students are eligible for the Federal Free and Reduced-Price Meal Program.
SOAS has been fortunate enough to support this cause in the past, benefiting over 200 students across APS, and donating over $5,000 in backing – and The Giving Tree is ramping up to be an even bigger, better event this year with accommodations like online gift card purchase!
Thousands of local students are in dire need of basic necessities like socks, underwear and footwear. Accordingly, as SOAS is communally responsible for shoes, the business will also exist as an APS collection site for socks and underwear.
“The bottom line is that the more customers participate, the more kids we can serve,” says Shoes on a Shoestring President, Dave Riddle. “Our Giving Tree Program is a simple, and heartwarming, way for individuals in the community who want to share the holiday spirit to benefit the less fortunate. We ensure that all donations go directly to APS for proper distribution. Additionally, we continue to donate every 10th gift card.”
The Giving Tree is offered at both SOAS locations and operable through gift card donations. Individuals may take any gender-specific card from “The Giving Tree”, select an amount displayed on the back, and donate directly to an APS student.
For more information regarding The Giving Tree or Shoes on a Shoestring, contact Kayla Smith, Outreach Marketing Director, at ksmith@soasinc.com or (505) 897-0014 x109. For information on APS Education Foundation contact Sonja Martens at martens@aps.edu or (505) 855-5267.
