The American Bus Association (ABA) is joining forces with other area associations, including the US Travel Association, to raise funds for Soles4TheDistrict, part of the national nonprofit Soles4Souls that provides shoes for those experiencing homelessness. This campaign will specifically deliver athletic footwear to children in the D.C. Public School system that are housing insecure to help them start off the new school year on the right foot (pardon the pun). According to the announcement on ABA’s website, the association has pledged to raise $10,000 for the cause, with a collective goal of $130,000 across the D.C. association community.
Soles4Souls says that there are 1.5 million children across the country who lack secure housing. Through its 4EveryKid campaign, which was launched in 2020, the organization reports that its donations have helped to increase attendance for 95 percent of shoe recipients and improve grades for more than two-thirds. In addition to boosting confidence, the shoes also help the children partake in sports and other extracurricular activities—with 80 percent of students reporting feeling more excited to attend and participate in school.
The fundraising period runs through September 1, and the shoes will be provided to the students during a 4EveryKid event at a D.C. school that month.
Donations on behalf of ABA can be made through this link.
Visit buses.org for more information.
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