More than 300 students at Nicolet Elementary School received a pair of brand-new athletic shoes, Nov. 10, 2025. PC: Fox 11 Online
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — New shoes are a luxury some families in Green Bay can’t afford.
California-based national nonprofit organization Shoes That Fit is trying to change that through their ongoing partnership with U.S. Venture company Breakthrough.
On Monday, more than 300 students at Nicolet Elementary School received a pair of brand-new athletic shoes. Breakthrough is also providing shoes to every student at Howe Elementary, as well as donating additional pairs to the school’s shoe closet.
In total, Breakthrough has raised enough funds to provide a total of 850 pairs of shoes to kids in Green Bay.
“Children grow really fast, and shoes are one of the most expensive items for families to be able to purchase. When budgets are tight, shoes often are overlooked,” said Natalie Ovcharenko, associate manager of strategic partnerships for Shoes That Fit. “And so we’re here today removing that barrier for every child at this school.”
The goal is to help students attend school with dignity and walk into their classroom each day with joy, prepared to learn and play.
“When we give a pair of shoes to a child, it’s more than just comfort. It impacts their confidence, their self-esteem. And we’re hoping that these brand-new shoes get these children to really, fully participate in school — whether that’s walking to school, running at recess with their friends or just showing up and being proud of what they’re wearing,” Ovcharenko said.
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