Sneakin’ Back to School Sneaker Drive
The Twig Cares, Inc.
Over 800 items were collected for this drive. With a total impact of What began as a goal of collecting 500 pairs of sneakers became an extraordinary community effort resulting in over 800 pairs of new sneakers for local foster children. Thanks to the generosity of our members, volunteers, sponsors, and partners, hundreds of children will begin the school year with confidence, knowing their community believes in them. Together, we didn’t just exceed a goal—we helped change the way children start a new school year..
Fun Facts About the Drive:
👟 Sneakin’ Back to School – By the Numbers
* 👟 800 pairs of brand-new sneakers collected (goal: 500 pairs!)
* 📈 160% of our original goal achieved.
* ❤️ 300–400 foster children served by TWIG every week.
* 🛍️ Every child gets to shop for 7 items during each visit.
* 🏬 Donations are carefully sorted at the TWIG Warehouse before being displayed in the TWIG Store.
* 👧👦 Children shop alongside a volunteer, creating a personalized and encouraging experience.
* 🎒 New sneakers, backpacks, clothing, and school essentials help children begin the school year with confidence.
* 🌟 TWIG’s store is designed to feel like a real shopping experience—not a distribution center—giving children dignity, choice, and a sense of normalcy.
* 🧸 The store even includes a children’s play area for younger visitors.
* 💙 A Recognition Wall celebrates every foster child who visits the store.
* 🏷️ Inventory is thoughtfully managed so children’s favorite items remain available throughout the season.
* 🤝 Hundreds of volunteers, donors, businesses, and community members came together to make this year’s drive a record-breaking success.
* 🛒 Special community partnerships—including an incredible Kohl’s purchasing initiative—helped stretch every donated dollar even further.
* 📦 In addition to sneakers, the community donated clothing, gift cards, cash contributions, and purchases made directly through TWIG’s Amazon Wish List.
🌟 Did You Know?
* For many foster children, receiving a brand-new pair of sneakers is something they’ve never experienced before.
* Allowing children to choose their own items helps restore confidence, independence, and self-esteem.
* A new pair of shoes can mean walking into school on the first day feeling proud, accepted, and ready to learn.
* Every pair donated represents more than footwear—it represents hope, dignity, and the knowledge that someone in the community cares.
