Santa’s Elves made a pitstop Tuesday on their way to the North Pole at Adelaide Elementary School to deliver shoes to all of the kindergarteners. To the delight of the children, the shoes were just the right size and in the colors they love. 

Before they found the shoes, they listened to the book “The Elves and the Shoemaker,” then followed clues that led them to their classrooms where wrapped boxes waited on every table. It was all part of America First Credit Union’s “Warm the Soles” program.

“It’s the most endearing holiday tradition,” said Dave Nellis, director of Public Relations for America First Credit Union. “We’ve been doing it for 30 years. It’s wonderful that we can provide new shoes to kids.”

Last year they donated 3,200 shoes at 43 schools, he said. “This year it’s 4,000 shoes at 46 schools. That’s a pretty big impact and it keeps growing over time. We know how important it is that kids have shoes – especially in kindergarten.” 

Some show up in worn out shoes, said Nellis. “Lots of kids get hand-me-downs. One boy curled his toes up in the new shoes and when we told him he could put them out straight he said that’s the way he always wears them because he was wearing shoes that were too small.”

They need the right resources to build a foundation so that they can learn, he said. “It’s an incredible opportunity to bless the lives of kids.”

Elves and the Shoemaker A kindergartener at Adelaide Elementary School shows off her new shoes. The children listened to the story The Elves and the Shoemaker and then followed clues throughout the school until they ended up in their classrooms to find shoes meant just for them. (Photo by Becky Ginos)

Nellis said they go into Title One schools and measure the children’s feet so they get the right shoes. “Some of the kids asked why we were doing that and we told them ‘we’re making sure you’re growing.’ In the past we’ve given 650 pairs to the entire elementary school.”

Last year America First incorporated The Elves and the Shoemaker, he said. “We collaborated with the Davis School District. The book is out of circulation so we had to buy them from Illinois. It’s cute and endearing. When the kindergarten kids hear the story it’s magical.”

America First’s charitable foundation staff put everything together, said Nellis. “That’s a lot of shoes to wrap. When they see the child’s name associated with the shoes it reminds them how blessed they’ll (kids) be at Christmas.” 

Giving shoes is so impactful, he said. “Parents have to decide whether to give them toys or put food on the table. That’s why we focus on shoes. Hopefully it relieves some tension for them. Kids shouldn’t walk to school with holes in their shoes.”

“I can’t believe they’re Nikes,” said one kindergartener. “How did they know my size?”

“I like these new shoes,” said Declan. “I like black, red and gray.”

“They’re good,” said Parley. “I like the colors blue and green.”

“I like that they’re rainbow and they fit,” said Alia. 

America First is still taking monetary donations, said Nellis. “If you’re a member you can come into any branch. You can also make a donation online using your online banking. If you’re not a credit union member you can still come in and scan a QR code.”

All of the money goes to our charitable foundation, he said. “No dollars go to the administration. It all goes to shoes and sometimes socks. We focus on donations during the holidays but we can always take them.”

Without the support of the community this couldn’t happen, said Nellis. “We appreciate what they do. That augments the program to give kids a boost and some relief and hope that’s what makes a community better." λ