"When My New Red Shoes provided the gift card and shoes, Mom cried and was thankful that her son “could be a normal kid” and not feel like an outsider. The son is enjoying his new school and thankful he has some new clothes for his new start!

"Thomas came to our shelter with only the clothing on his body, including a pair of very dirty shoes and the left heel had a hole. When the new shoes arrived in a gift bag with his name on it, his smile brightened up the room. When we took Thomas shopping for his school clothing his whole emotional state went from extremely introverted and depressed to out-going and confident. This young man is currently on the best behavioral level in our program and is feeling very confident on having a successful school year.  We believe that his emotional turn around was brought on by receiving the brand new shoes and gift card to Old Navy, and more so experiencing the thoughtful, giving nature by others.

"Clara had a stormy summer, and even though her former home life was difficult due to her mother’s alcoholism, it has been very difficult for her to settle into group home life. She was particular troubled by having to start the school year at a new school where she had no connections. Fortunately, the other girls in the program were attending the same school and with their new gift card were able to go shopping together for new school clothing at Old Navy. It was a lot of fun for them and a great bonding experience, including the resident counselors who went with them – it gave them a special connection to a caring adult. This entire experience lifted Clara's spirits and gave her the confidence to move ahead.