Let Us Breathe

08/19/2026

Fresh Kicks, Fresh Start 2026 — WHAT A SUCCESS!

229+ BRAND-NEW PAIRS OF SHOES DISBURSED IN JUST TWO HOURS!

We started the evening a little short-handed, but when the help showed up, it was ON! Our community came together and made sure our students were taken care of.

Seeing families come through the doors and students leave with brand-new shoes and hygiene kits reminded us exactly why we do this work. This wasn’t just about shoes—it was about making sure our young people could start the school year with confidence and dignity.

A very special thank you to Kee Raquel, From Boys to Gentlemen, Nova from Starbucks, Susana from IRC, 796 The Culture, the Let Us Breathe Abilene Board Members, and every volunteer who jumped in and helped us get it done.

And a huge thank you to Mr. Brandon Osburne—the man with the plan! Thank you for once again opening the doors of AYSA and allowing us to host another packed, organized, and successful community event.

To every donor, sponsor, partner, and person who supported Fresh Kicks, Fresh Start 2026—YOU helped make this possible.

229+ pairs. 2 hours. One community showing up for our kids.

— Let Us Breathe Abilene

08/17/2026

All of my beautiful volunteers I'll see you at 4 pm at AYSA!!!!! Event starts at 5 pm and ends at 7pm!

08/17/2026

We are so thankful and grateful for all of you!!!!

08/16/2026

08/15/2026

Fresh Kicks, Fresh Start 2026 would not be possible without the incredible businesses, organizations, foundations, and community members who continue to believe in our mission.

A very special thank you to Tim Martin, M.D. – A Family Practice, Silverthorne Insurance, Total Wellness Mental Health, Abilene ISD, Excelsior Foundation, The Starbucks Foundation, and Abilene Youth Sports Authority (AYSA) for investing in our youth and helping us provide new shoes, hygiene kits, resources, and a positive back-to-school experience for students in our community.

Every donation, partnership, sponsorship, and act of support makes a difference. When our community comes together, we can help students walk into the new school year feeling prepared, supported, and confident.

Stronger students. Stronger families. Stronger community.

👟 Fresh Kicks, Fresh Start 2026
📅 August 17, 2026
⏰ 5:00–7:00 PM
📍 Abilene Youth Sports Authority (AYSA)
1042 Loop 322, Abilene, TX 79602

From all of us at Let Us Breathe Abilene — THANK YOU for investing in our youth and believing in a better tomorrow!

08/11/2026

Notifications are going out! Please check your text or emails. Also we are far from done sending out notices so please be patient as we work in a super hot building!

Remember this year we focused on 6th grade -12th grade so all the smaller shoe sizes were limited especially pre school. Abilene ISD helped us make sure the students qualified.

Your message should look like this but have a number or numbers assigned

🎉 CONGRATULATIONS! YOU’VE BEEN SELECTED! 👟

Your student has been selected for Let Us Breathe Abilene’s Fresh Kicks, Fresh Start 2026 Back-to-School Shoe & Hygiene Program!

📅 August 17, 2026
⏰ 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Abilene Youth Sports Authority (AYSA)

Your student will receive brand-new athletic shoes and a hygiene kit to help them start the school year feeling confident and prepared.

🔴 IMPORTANT CHECK-IN INFORMATION:
Your Selected Number is: ________

Please save this message and provide your Selected Number at the check-in desk when you arrive. This number will help us quickly locate your student’s information and items.

Please make arrangements to attend during the scheduled pickup time. Due to the number of students being served, we may not be able to hold items after the event.

We’re excited to serve your family!

Fresh Kicks. Fresh Start. Bright Futures.

Let Us Breathe Abilene
📞 325-268-1224

08/06/2026

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