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'Sneakers for Students' presentation: local church and nonprofit report 247 pairs distributed this year
Summary
GLOW Church and Midwest Pursuit Project described 'Sneakers for Students,' an annual, free one‑day event that provided about 247 pairs of shoes this year to Ralston students in need; presenters credited school counselors for referrals and named community partners including Thrivent and Zenon Academy.
Representatives from GLOW Church, which now oversees Sneakers for Students under the nonprofit Midwest Pursuit Project, presented the program to the Ralston Public Schools board on Nov. 24, describing how a district social worker helped identify a need for shoes and how the event has grown year over year.
Presenters said the first‑year pledge was to serve 100 students; the program expanded rapidly and provided 247 pairs of shoes this year through fundraising and partnerships. The annual one‑day event includes family‑friendly activities such as bounce houses, hot dogs and face painting, and is free to participating families. GLOW Church members said counselors at each building (cited by presenters) identify students who would benefit and that shoe sizes are stocked from toddler sizes through men’s 14 so students of any grade can be served.
‘We pledged to the school that we would serve a 100 students,’ one presenter said, and described growth attributable to increased fundraising and partners. The presentation credited local partners and fundraisers — trivia nights, a restaurant takeover with local businesses, and a significant gift from Thrivent — for enabling the expansion. Presenters said local media covered the event this year, increasing community awareness.
Board members asked program specifics: presenters confirmed the program serves all grades, that counselors help identify eligible students and that the event moved venues to the Granary in 2023 to accommodate growth. Board members also thanked volunteers and district staff for supporting the program.
What happens next: Presenters said Sneakers for Students will continue fundraising year‑round and plan to expand partnerships to sustain the program for future school years.
