A step toward stability: Dodgers Foundation and Shoes That Fit deliver relief to Pasadena students
by Erin Edwards
The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) and longtime partner Shoes That Fit (STF) distributed 500 pairs of new athletic shoes on Wednesday to students and staff at Webster Elementary, a school deeply impacted by the Eaton Fire. For the first time, the donation included students, staff and educators — underscoring LADF’s commitment to supporting the entire school community. Webster Elementary now serves as a temporary home for Cleveland Early Childhood Education, whose original campus was reassigned to another school that lost its facilities in the fire.
Dodgers alumnus and SportsNet LA analyst Jerry Hairston Jr. joined the event to hand out shoes, meet with students and help lift spirits.
“Families are continuing to face unimaginable challenges, and meeting even one basic need, like a pair of shoes, can go a long way,” said Nichol Whiteman, CEO, Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation. “This year, it’s not just about comfort — it’s a step toward stability.”
Since 2019, LADF has granted more than $258,000 to Shoes That Fit, resulting in over 10,000 pairs of shoes for children across Los Angeles. But this moment at Webster Elementary felt especially meaningful — many students and educators have not only lost their schools but also their homes.
“Despite everything this community has endured, we’re committed to helping kids worry less and return to learning and playing with the confidence that comes from a new pair of shoes,” said Amy Fass, CEO and Executive Director of Shoes That Fit.
The gesture was more than symbolic. Every child and teacher also received two tickets to an upcoming Dodger game, creating another opportunity for joy and community bonding during a time of recovery.
“Oh, they’re going to take so much home in addition to the shoes today. They’re going to know that the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation completely supports them. Shoes That Fit cares about them. They’re going to realize that the community is behind them to really make sure that they focus on their resilience and getting over this impact of the fire and just becoming stronger students,” said Kristin Forrest, principal of Webster Elementary School.
This was the first of two distributions in the Pasadena Unified School District, with a second event scheduled at Jackson Elementary later this fall. Shoes That Fit will also participate in four Dodgers Dreamteam Dodger Days this season, bringing essential items and resources directly to youth and families across the region.
As LADF continues to support Angelenos impacted by the wildfires, events like these underscore a broader commitment: When crisis strikes, the Dodgers Foundation shows up — with resources, compassion, and a promise to stand by our communities every step of the way.
For more on LADF’s relief efforts and how you can get involved, visit Dodgers.com/Relief.
A Step Toward Stability: Dodgers Foundation and Shoes That Fit Deliver Relief to Pasadena Students was originally published in Dodger Insider on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.