Shoes for Tots FAQ's
How to Order Coupons:
If you are with a local school or organization, please click on either the "Contact Us" or "Shoes for Tots" sections of the website and complete the information, so we may satisfy your request.
How Did Shoes For Tots Get Started?
In 1973 one of the charter members of the Breakfast Exchange Club of Ogden was tasked by State of Utah Social Services to develop a program that would serve children who desperately needed shoes. He saw the Ogden-based service club—a member of the National Exchange Clubs of America—as a natural partner in such a program. Because of the energy and high level of commitment to service the members demonstrated from the beginning, the program grew quickly in its support from the community and its ability to meet the needs of children in the community.
What Has the Shoes for Tots Program Accomplished?
Over the past 35 years the program has raised over $400,000 which has provided shoes for over ten thousand kids. Just last year over 1,000 kids got a new pair of shoes through the program.
The real benefits are hard to quantify. Wearing dirty, worn-out shoes has a negative impact on a kid's self esteem and on his health. It's safe to say that many kids who would have dropped out of school have stayed in school because of this support. Through Shoes for Tots, parents and kids who are more fortunate have been instrumental in helping those less fortunate.
Where Do These Kids Come From?
We help kids from every social situation, including those from single-parent families, kids whose mothers are victims of spousal abuse, kids whose homes have been destroyed by fire, or kids from families who are victims of natural disasters. Also, kids whose parents' income has been wiped out because of theft, unemployment, or relocation and kids whose parents lack effective parenting skills and are simply allowed to fall through the cracks. All these kids need shoes—Shoes for Tots addresses that need.
We've Heard of KSL's Quarters For Christmas. Are You Part of That Program?
Absolutely not! We encourage local schools to support local school kids rather than to collect quarters for kids outside the area. We serve the Weber-Ogden area exclusively. The money collected for Shoes for Tots goes to kids who live here.
How Do You Administer the Program?
We have no administrative costs. The Breakfast Exchange Club of Ogden is a 501(C)(4) non-profit organization. Every cent collected for shoes, goes to buy shoes. Our primary fundraising effort is the Hot Chocolate Booth. See the Hot Chocolate Booth tab under "About Us" for more information.
Here's How it Works:
With the money collected each year, the Exchange Club provides vouchers that can be exchanged for shoes at Payless Shoes. Over the years, the vouchers are distributed to these local organizations: YCC, Ogden City Schools, Children's Aid Society, Catholic Services, St, Anne's Shelter, Ogden Rescue Mission, Salvation Army, LDS Social Services, Hill AFB Social Services, Community Action, Weber County Schools, and Family Support Center.
When a child needs shoes, a school representative (usually a principal or nurse) or the giving organization gives the voucher to a responsible adult, who then takes it to the shoe store in exchange for a new pair of shoes for the child.
Rhonda Lauritzen
