First Day Shoe Fund

08/31/2026

2026 Fall distribution is coming up soon, and we would like to thank our generous school sponsors!
School sponsors play an important role in our work! They help by providing funds to purchase some of the shoes that we need, as well as providing volunteers to help students try on their new shoes on fitting day!
We have some amazing sponsors who are supporting us for our 2026 distributions. Thanks to for sponsoring Paramount Charter Academy.
If you are interested in becoming a school sponsor and helping us support students in our community, please check out our website at www.firstdayshoefund.org/sponsor or contact our Executive Director at [email protected]

08/30/2026

As our thoughts turn to "Back to School", First Day Shoe Fund is excited to be preparing for our Fall 2026 Distribution. Ordering for Fall is now OPEN through our website at www.firstdayshoefund.org/order

08/29/2026

2026 Fall distribution is coming up soon, and we would like to thank our generous school sponsors!
School sponsors play an important role in our work! They help by providing funds to purchase some of the shoes that we need, as well as providing volunteers to help students try on their new shoes on fitting day!
We have some amazing sponsors who are supporting us for our 2026 distributions. Thanks to NAACP Lifetime Members for Sponsoring Greenwood.
If you are interested in becoming a school sponsor and helping us support students in our community, please check out our website at www.firstdayshoefund.org/sponsor or contact our Executive Director at [email protected]

08/28/2026

Finding the right fit can sometimes be a challenge for students who have larger feet.

At First Day Shoe Fund, we carry stylish, comfortable shoes suitable for all elementary students. We keep shoes all the way up to these sizes:

👞 Men's sizes up to 14
👠 Women's sizes up to 13

08/27/2026

* VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY *

Fitting day shifts are available at a few schools this Fall - volunteers must be adults and will be working one-on-one with students helping them try on their new shoes. Some schools will require a background check to volunteer.

Fitting shifts start at 8:30am and are usually complete by 11am - noon depending on the size of the school.

September 29th - Prairie Ridge
September 30th - Parkwood Upjohn
October 5th - Lake Center
October 6th - Comstock STEM Academy, Comstock Early Learning Center and Oakland Academy
October 7th - Galesburg Middle School (5th graders) and Parchment Northwood
October 12th - Indian Lake (Vicksburg)

Sign up online at https://firstdayshoefund.org/volunteer/

08/27/2026

2026 Fall distribution is coming up soon, and we would like to thank our generous school sponsors!
School sponsors play an important role in our work! They help by providing funds to purchase some of the shoes that we need, as well as providing volunteers to help students try on their new shoes on fitting day!
We have some amazing sponsors who are supporting us for our 2026 distributions. Thanks to James & Springgate, PLC, for sponsoring Climax Scotts.
If you are interested in becoming a school sponsor and helping us support students in our community, please check out our website at www.firstdayshoefund.org/sponsor or contact our Executive Director at [email protected]

08/26/2026

Every student deserves the opportunity to start the school year feeling ready to learn. ❤️

A comfortable, properly fitting pair of athletic shoes can help students participate in classroom activities, enjoy recess, and stay focused throughout the day. When students have the right shoes, they can spend more time making memories, building friendships, and reaching their full potential.

At First Day Shoe Fund, we're proud to provide brand-new athletic shoes to K-5th grade students in Kalamazoo County, helping them start school with confidence, comfort, and dignity. Together, we're helping students put their Best Foot Forward.

Every pair of shoes helps another student put their Best Foot Forward. A donation of just $25 can provide a new pair of shoes for a student in our community!

08/25/2026

Ordering for Fall 2026 is open. Shoes can be ordered through our website at www.firstdayshoefund.org/order

First Day Shoe Fund provides new athletic shoes to students at Kalamazoo County public elementary schools at no cost

Districts served: Climax Scotts, Comstock, Galesburg, Gull Lake, Kalamazoo, KRESA special education buildings, Parchment, Portage, Schoolcraft, Vicksburg, Oakland & Paramount Charter Academy. We also provide shoes to students at the HeadStart sites in Kalamazoo County

Shoes will be fitted at the schools late September through mid October.

Order Shoes Fall 2026 Ordering will open August 24th. We will be providing shoes at all 47 public elementary schools in Kalamazoo County in Fall 2026 as well as Headstart classrooms located outside of school buildings.  Ordering is open from August 24th – 6pm September 16th 2026 and shoes will be...

08/25/2026

Hi, my name is Karen Allen.

This Spring, I began working at First Day Shoe Fund as the Program Assistant. Having volunteered many times, I was so happy to join this amazing team. I live in Kalamazoo with my family and best doodle dog, Sky! I really enjoy unpacking all the new shoes at our warehouse.

We have great volunteers who make those days fun and bring an even broader sense of community to all that we do. It's exciting to see the many colors and styles of shoes and think about how happy they will make the students on fitting day.

Will they be good jumping shoes?!

08/24/2026

First Day Shoe Fund provides new athletic shoes to students at Kalamazoo County public elementary schools at no cost

Districts served: Climax Scotts, Comstock, Galesburg, Gull Lake, Kalamazoo, KRESA special education buildings, Parchment, Portage, Schoolcraft, Vicksburg, Oakland & Paramount Charter Academy. We also provide shoes to students at the HeadStart sites in Kalamazoo

Ordering for Fall 2026 opens today. Shoes can be ordered through our website at www.firstdayshoefund.org/order

Shoes will be fitted at the schools late September through mid October.