The entire student body at Wrightsboro Elementary School in Wilmington received new pairs of athletic shoes on Nov. 21, 2024, from Samaritan’s Feet.
The Charlotte-based nonprofit partnered with Truist Bank for Wrightsboro’s schoolwide giveaway.
“I got so emotional when thanking them,” Wrightsboro Principal Michelle Faison says. “I wanted them to know the gravity of the impact, the joy, and the comments I had heard. We have students who come from economically disadvantaged homes. One child in particular had not smiled in a month. He kind of danced back to class saying, ‘Look Miss Faison, my Gucci shoes.’ It was such a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we partner.”
Students’ feet were premeasured for correct sizing, although adjustments during the event at the school were necessary for those whose feet had grown since the measuring.
Seventy-five adult volunteers from Truist fitted the 650 pairs of shoes and a pair of socks for each student, then went into classrooms to lead financial literacy lessons that included reading and interactive workshops.
Samaritan’s Feet believes it met its 2024 goal of distributing 1.1 million pairs of shoes around the globe.
“We are grateful for the ongoing partnership with Truist and their commitment to serve communities. Together we are not just providing shoes, but we’re offering hope, dignity, and a foundation for a brighter future for our children, adults and seniors,” says Manny Ohonme, Samaritan’s Feet founder and president.