Algodones Elementary students get new kicks

ALGODONES — What better way to celebrate summer vacation than a new pair of kicks? At Algodones Elementary School, every single student got brand-new shoes May 28.

Thanks to a partnership between Vulcan Materials Company and national nonprofit Shoes That Fit, 184 students received new shoes.

“We are very thankful for them investing in their academic journey,” principal Rosangela Montoya said.

Vulcan Materials Company is the nation’s largest producer of construction aggregates — primarily crushed stone, sand and gravel — and a major producer of aggregates-based construction materials, including asphalt and ready-mixed concrete.

“We are very appreciative of Vulcan materials; we appreciate their generosity,” Montoya said. “It’s going to make a big impact on our students by providing the shoes. It is more than a donation. It gives them confidence, supports attendance, it gives them comfort, it supports success in the school, and it bridges that community and school relationship.”

Many of the students had smiles on their faces, and a few even did the dance in the hallway to celebrate.

“A new pair of shoes can be life-changing for a child. School attendance increases, self-esteem is boosted and behavior can improve. Physical activity increases and smiles return. We are so proud to be a meaningful part of those smiles,” said Abbey Sanderson, Vulcan’s Western Division outreach coordinator.

Helping distribute the new shoes to students were Algodones teachers, Bernalillo Public Schools leaders, San Felipe officials, Vulcan representatives and Shoes That Fit representatives.

According to its website, Shoes That Fit believes that every child deserves to attend school with dignity and joy and that a new pair of shoes can help improve their self-esteem and participation at school.

“One in seven U.S. children live in poverty, and shoes are one of the most expensive items for families to provide. When families have to choose between putting food on the table or buying new shoes for school, you can imagine that food wins every time. The simple gift of a pair of shoes can increase a child’s confidence, attendance and performance at school, and we are so thankful that Vulcan Materials is taking the time to make such a positive impact on these kids.” Shoes That Fit CEO Amy Fass said.

Shoes That Fit helped deliver new shoes to more than 180,000 children across all 50 U.S. states and was named “California Nonprofit of the Year.” For more information, visit shoesthatfit.org.