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Education Foundation Receives Junior League Grant

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Contributed by: Cynthia Falardeau on 9/4/2007

The Education Foundation received a $1,000 donation to support the Sneaker Exchange Program. The funds will be used to purchase shoes for economically disadvantaged students in public primary and secondary schools.

The Sneaker Exchange was founded by the Junior League of Indian River County in 1993. The program then was transferred to the Education Foundation of Indian River County in 2002. Currently, the Education Foundation administers and funds the program through the generous support of the community.

The mission of the Sneaker Exchange is to promote improved self-esteem and proper physical development in children by providing comfortable appropriate school shoes to every public school student in need in Indian River County. Nearly 10,000 pairs of shoes and socks have been distributed since the program began. Through the simple act of providing children in need sneakers, they are able to participate in all school activities. Economically disadvantaged students come in all sizes, therefore, the program serve public school students in grades Pre-K through 12th.

Elementary students are treated to a trip to the Payless ShoeSource store to select a new pair of sneakers. Secondary students are awarded vouchers that they can then present at the Payless ShoeSource for a pair of sneakers. School Coordinators utilize the Free and Reduce Lunch Report as a means for identifying children in need.

To date, the Education Foundation is experiencing the greatest increases in service to secondary students who receive vouchers. This is also the most expensive group to help. The average cost of a pair of shoes for an elementary student is around $15.00, the average cost for a secondary student is $35.00. The Foundation is especially grateful to the following donors who support the Sneaker Exchange: Grand Harbor Community Outreach, Quail Valley Charities, The William Bingham Foundation and the Payless Foundation. Volunteers also make a difference. Holy Cross Catholic Church, Community Church of Vero Beach and the Junior League of Indian River County provide volunteers to facilitate the program. All of this support enables students able to put their best foot forward.

To learn more about the Sneaker Exchange and the Education Foundation of Indian River County, please call: (772) 564-0034 or email: info@edfoundationirc.org or website: www.edfoundationirc.org.

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