Santa arrived early at Wesley Elementary School on Giving Tuesday, as students in all grade levels received a free pair of shoes, courtesy of Communities in Schools of Houston.  

Right on time for the holiday season, CIS partnered with Soles 4 Souls and Skechers, Gordmans and Macys to donate more than 350 pairs of shoes to students during the internationally recognized holiday. 

“As an underserved campus, it’s beautiful to watch organizations and people donate their time and gifts to our students, who may not always have everything that they need or desire,” Principal TJ Cotter said. 

After students were properly fitted, they headed to an art station in Wesley’s cafeteria, where they could add their own personalized touch to their newly claimed shoes and snag a gift bag with a $25 gift card for Gordmans or Palais Royal.  

“As parent myself, it’s emotional to watch the students excitedly receive their shoes and truly have the chance to add their own personal touch to the shoes,” Gordmans Volunteer Alyssa Kopeck said. “It’s been truly rewarding to help the community and the students.” 

For CIS and its partners, Giving Tuesday will extend beyond Dec. 3 as they continue to spread holiday cheer well into Thursday, Dec. 5 for students at Neff Learning Center and Neff Elementary School, who will also receive a free pair of shoes. 

In total, the organizations will donate either a pair of shoes and/or coat to more than 1,000 HISD students as they prepare for the holiday break.  

Giving Tuesday is celebrated worldwide as a global generosity movement where organizations, communities and people join together annually on Dec. 3 to give back.