More than 1,000 students in the Austin Independent School District in Texas received free new shoes through a donation initiative organized through the Junior League of Austin.
Volunteers from several local companies assisted with the distribution at multiple campuses over several days. Organizers selected students using set criteria to determine financial need.
Parents thanked organizers for helping relieve the cost of school footwear. School officials said access to proper shoes supports student comfort and participation in school activities.
The Junior League of Austin conducts recurring community projects to support local families, and this donation fits into a broader push to improve student well-being and academic readiness.
Organizers said they plan to expand the program in future cycles and will follow up with schools to review its impact.
District officials said community involvement is essential to the success of these efforts and called on more local businesses to take part in similar initiatives.