Every $10 buys new shoes for a child in need, help us reach our goal of 5,000 pairs!

Step up for Pasco Students! Back-to-School Fundraiser

Just $10 can help a child in need put their best foot forward for the coming school year.  Pasco County Property Appraiser Mike Wells and entrepreneur and philanthropist Jacques Hakim have proudly partnered with Pasco Sheriff’s Charities and the YMCA of the Suncoast James P. Gills Family Branch to launch “Step up for Pasco Students!” The back-to-school fundraiser aims to donate 5,000 pairs of new shoes to Pasco County Schools this summer.

“This is a great opportunity to support kids in our community following a challenging year,” said Property Appraiser Mike Wells. “The need for shoes and socks within our schools continues to outpace the donated supply and we hope to change that, ensuring no child goes without.”

Step up for Pasco Students! makes it easy to contribute with secure, online donor portals through established nonprofit partners, eliminating the need to shop for shoes.  The effort will supplement existing successful collections, including Pasco County’s annual Two Good Soles drive in the fall.

“We secured a supplier contract that truly reshapes our ability to give,” Jacques Hakim said.  “Every $10 puts a pair of quality shoes on a child, tripling or quadrupling the impact of a donation compared to retail shopping, even at discounted prices.”

Your support will help kids in need feel confident and prepared for the start of a new school year.  Donate today at www.ymcasuncoast.org/stepup to help reach the goal of 5,000 pairs by July 18, 2021.  Every dollar counts and additional funds collected will be used to purchase socks and backpacks.

“We hear it every year, donations come in, and they’re gone in an instant,” said Wells.  “We’re grateful to provide another opportunity to give back.”