Santa Claus, Inc. Holds One-day Giveaway

Santa Claus, Inc. held its biggest one-day giveaway on Friday, April 25th. K.I.D.S, which stands for Kids In Distressed Situations, an east coast non-profit organization, that works through toy and clothing manufacturers to provide needed items for non-profit organizations donated 27,000 pairs of shoes. Every dollar invested from Santa Claus, Inc. resulted in a $15 return of merchandise. The shoes were donated in conjunction with Bob's Shoes, a subsidiary of Sketchers. Shoe sizes range from 0-12. Santa Claus, Inc. didn't wait until Christmas to give out these shoes to those in need. On Wednesday, April 23rd, students from WORC Academy, San Bernardino Valley College joined volunteers to load and sort the pallets of merchandise. Asst. Warehouse Director, Richard Spoors, said, "We put together orders of 6,000 pairs to the San Bernardino School District and 3,000 pairs each for Rialto, Colton [Joint Unified] and Redlands School Districts. The districts will then distribute the shoes to the children. It's great. Kids can get a pair of shoes. They don't have to borrow from their brother." Youngsters from Warm Springs School have been measured for shoe size and shoes will be delivered to those children the week of April 30th. Families associated with Westside Kinship, Veronica's Home and Salvation Army Transitional Living will be measured in the next two weeks. Their shoes will be delivered the following week. The rest of the stock will go into Santa Claus, Inc. for distribution in December. Normally, the Outreach Program of Santa Claus, Inc. called Operation Elf serves 7,000 children annually. Director, Sandra Lourenco, says, "We are thrilled to give kids shoes for summer." Karen DiCarlo, Director of Santa Claus, Inc., proudly states, "This fulfills the needs of our community. Shoes are such a basic necessity for kids. With this outreach, Santa Claus, Inc. will provide for over 27,000 kids in our area."