Properly fitting shoes are something most take for granted, but for some children, they can be hard to come by. For many kids, proper footwear isn't just about comfort. It's about ensuring they have the confidence, freedom, and ability to fully embrace childhood. To help address this need and provide children shoes that actually fit, as part of its annual fall meeting, the Western Region team at Mazda participated in a volunteering session at the Shoes That Fit warehouse.
Shoes That Fit is a nonprofit tackling one of the most visible signs of poverty in America by giving children in need new athletic shoes to help them attend school with dignity and joy, prepared to learn, play, and thrive. Forty-three Mazda employees spent an afternoon at the Shoes That Fit warehouse, where team members boxed, labeled, and packaged athletic shoes for distribution. The volunteer effort was more than an afternoon of team building: It was a chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of children who might otherwise go without proper footwear. Thanks to their hard work, more than 2,500 pairs of brand-new, name-brand shoes will soon reach kids who need them most.
“There is something powerful about volunteers coming together to do hands-on work that directly benefits children. Groups like Mazda’s Western Region team remind us that meaningful change happens when people step away from their desks and into their communities to make a difference,” said Amy Fass, Shoes That Fit CEO and executive director.
This event resonated with Alex Frantz, a district service manager at Mazda. “[It] really hit home for me as a Mazda employee as a clear reminder that what we do is ultimately about people, care, and showing up in meaningful ways. Knowing these shoes will help kids walk into school with confidence made the time and effort absolutely worth it. I’m proud of what we did together and grateful to be part of a company that values community, teamwork, and making a real difference."
Properly fitting shoes unlock childhood experiences that many may take for granted. They empower children to run free at recess, participate in sports without shame, and engage with peers confidently. New shoes can help students concentrate in class, experience less stress, and feel proud walking through school doors each morning.
"I'm so glad we were able to help Shoes That Fit prepare these shoes for distribution not only here in California, but also across the nation. Sometimes growing up can be hard. If we can make life a little easier for a kid so they're proud to go to school or participate in sports, it makes it all worth it," said Brandon Hoff, senior director, regional and network operations at Mazda.
The energy was palpable as the Western Region team worked together to provide students the confidence they need, through shoes, to thrive in school and ultimately receive an education that can help them discover what moves them, the ethos behind Be Moved. The friendly competition that emerged among team members as they raced to build boxes and pack shoes only amplified the impact and joy of giving back.
"You could feel the enthusiasm, and a fair amount of competition, from the Western Region team as we all rolled up our sleeves to assemble and pack boxes," Hoff added. "What was an afternoon away from the office for us will hopefully bring a season of surprise and happiness for a kid with their new shoes."
Mazda is committed to continuing to drive positive change through the Be Moved platform, teaming up with organizations like Shoes That Fit to impact lives — one pair of shoes, one child, and one community at a time.
