Shoes, hats, cookies, hot chocolate, coloring pages and goodie bags – oh my! Our shoe distribution at Edwards-Knox the evening of January 15th was nothing short of amazing, with over 100 students receiving a brand-new pair of shoes. This wonderful community event, which was also opened up to neighboring Hermon-Dekalb School District, was thanks to a continued partnership between UWNNY, Fuccillo Subaru and Operation Warm.
The Edwards-Knox School District remained an ideal choice for a distribution site due to its commitment to students and the prevalent need within its rural setting. Given the collaborative nature of the event and organizations involved, opening it up to neighboring Hermon-Dekalb was a no brainer – another opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of students and families.
From 5 to 7pm, 117 children and their families filled the elementary lunchroom of Edwards-Knox, sizing their feet on the mat to figure out what might fit best, finding their corresponding shoe size on the table with the lovely Ashley from Fuccillo Subaru, and trying the tester shoes on just to make sure before the most important part: choosing what color pair of shoes to take home.
Once this often-tough decision had been made, it was time to move on to the hot chocolate and cookie station for a snack, taking some time for the coloring sheets and signing the Subaru sign, and picking up a UWNNY goodie bag – not to mention mingling with their peers and showing off their new kicks. There was even the chance to be regionally famous with our friend Gage from Channel 7 News, who stayed with us through the evening working on a segment featuring the event and attendees! We are so grateful for the wonderful local coverage and look forward to continuing our partnership with Channel 7 in the future.
In 2025, Subaru and its retailers are visiting local shelters and support agencies to provide more than 150,000 children with brand-new necessities as part of the Subaru Love Promise, Subaru’s commitment to improving lives in the communities where its employees live and work. These items can mean the difference between going to school or not; between participating in activities or sitting out. Operation Warm is a national nonprofit that manufactures brand-new, high-quality coats and shoes for children in need. Through partnerships with individuals, community organizations, and corporations across North America, Operation Warm provides warmth, confidence and hope for a brighter future by using the gift as a catalyst for community connection.
With about 100 or so pairs of shoes left over from the event, the school districts will be distributing them to other students, and United Way is sharing a number of pairs with other community partners to spread the love and continue to work to make a lasting impact through this gift. This event highlights the power of community collaboration and demonstrates how we can make a tangible difference in the lives of children. It is always such a fun and impactful time, and nothing beats the smiles on the faces of the children when they get their new items to take home.
This is what it is all about, and United Way is truly grateful for this continued partnership, allowing us to strengthen our community connections in St. Lawrence County. It is an honor to live and work united with Subaru, Operation Warm and Edwards-Knox.
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