Shoes That Fit launches back-to-school sneaker campaign with donation match

Shoes That Fit has launched its annual Back to School campaign to provide new athletic shoes to students nationwide through Sept. 11. Donations to the effort will be matched up to $45,000, as the nonprofit says many families are still struggling to cover basic needs.

Why it matters: - New, properly fitting shoes can affect a student’s confidence, participation and readiness to learn. - Shoes That Fit says the campaign helps children who might otherwise start school feeling self-conscious, left out or unprepared. - The effort comes as families continue to cut back on nonessential spending to cover basics like food and gas. - The nonprofit says that pressure leaves shoes for kids lower on the priority list.

What happened: - Shoes That Fit launched its annual "Back to School" campaign to give brand-new, name-brand athletic shoes to children nationwide. - The campaign is running now through Sept. 11. - A supporter is matching donations to the campaign up to $45,000. - Donations can be made at the campaign donation page.

The details: - The campaign is built around partnerships with educators and school staff across the country. - Amy Fass, CEO and Executive Director of Shoes That Fit, said the campaign theme is "Forward." - Fass said children move forward with confidence when they have what they need to learn, belong and thrive. - Shoes That Fit is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Claremont, California. - The organization focuses on one of the most visible signs of poverty by giving children new athletic shoes so they can attend school with dignity and joy. - Shoes That Fit says it delivered new athletic shoes to more than 218,000 children across all 50 states last year. - The nonprofit was named a California Nonprofit of the Year.

Between the lines: - The campaign message ties a basic material need to school readiness and self-image. - The match could give the fundraising push more urgency as the school year starts. - Shoes That Fit is framing the effort as both a practical intervention and a dignity issue for students.

What's next: - Shoes That Fit will keep fundraising through Sept. 11. - The nonprofit is asking supporters to help ensure no child misses school because they do not have shoes that fit. - More information is available on Shoes That Fit's website.