Skip to main content

Newsroom

From Playground to Classroom: Why New Shoes Matter

Spring is a time for growth, fresh starts, and outdoor adventures. But for too many children, worn-out or ill-fitting shoes hold them back—not just from playing outside, but from fully participating in school, recess, and everyday life. 

That’s where Operation Warm steps in. We believe every child deserves to start spring off with confidence, and that starts with something simple but powerful: a brand-new pair of shoes. 

 

Why Brand-New Shoes Matter 

  • Kids grow fast!  
    • Children’s feet can grow up to half a size every 2 to 4 months between infancy and age 5, and continue growing steadily throughout childhood. 
  • 67% of children wear shoes that are too small: 
    • 48% are one size too small. 
    • 19% are two sizes too small. 

Shoes that are too small or passed down can lead to discomfort, affect a child’s gait, and even cause long-term foot problems. More importantly, when kids don’t have shoes that fit properly, it holds them back—from walking to school, participating in recess, joining sports, and simply playing with friends. 

But when kids receive shoes that fit and feel good, everything changes. They can walk confidently, focus better in class, and feel included with their peers. 

As one of our 2024 shoe recipients shared: 

“It is so heartwarming to see each child not only receive their new sneakers, but pick what color they like, try them on, and jump to test them out.” – 2024 Shoe Recipient 

Describe the Image

New Season, New Shoes, New Possibilities 

Let’s help kids step into spring ready to take on the world. Donate today. 

Interested in partnering with us to provide kids with brand-new shoes? Learn more here!  

Stay Connected with Us     

Follow us  on social media to stay updated on our initiatives and find more ways to get involved!     

Our Impact

  • Years of Service

    25

  • Total Children Served

    6,000,000+

  • Communities Served

    4,086

  • 2022-2023 Volunteer Hours

    125,000+

  • Eagles
    Eagles
  • Subaru
  • FedEx
  • Nordstrom
  • Thomas
  • Five Below
    Five Below
  • Exelon
  • Money Mart
  • Elks National Foundation, Inc.
  • The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation
  • Pat's Coats for Kids
  • Morgan Stanley
  • WW Smith
  • Wells Fargo
  • Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation
  • Abercrombie & Fitch Co.
  • Rotary Districts
  • Mountain America
    Mountain America
  • bpx energy
  • Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Louisiana
  • Gerber
  • IAFF Local 2068 Fairfax County
  • PNC
  • EQT
  • Operation North Pole
  • Rock 99.9 KISW
  • Scott Spino Foundation
  • Heinz
  • Gynada
    Gynada
  • Amazon
    Amazon
  • Assistance League
    Assistance League
  • Bonzy
    Bonzy
  • Civitas
    Civitas
  • Ferrellgas
    Ferrellgas
  • Fox Milwaukee
    Fox Milwaukee
  • Harvey Hanna
    Harvey Hanna
  • Hasbro
    Hasbro
  • Holtec
    Holtec
  • IATSE
    IATSE
  • Islamic Relief
    Islamic Relief
  • Kaiser
    Kaiser
  • Lake Trust
    Lake Trust
  • Lennox
    Lennox
  • Liuna
    Liuna
  • Marathon Petroleum
    Marathon Petroleum
  • Ocean First
    Ocean First
  • Salvation Army
    Salvation Army
  • The Tepper Foundation
    The Tepper Foundation
  • NYC
    NYC
  • Molina
    Molina
  • TJX
  • wawa
    wawa
  • Accenture
    Accenture
© 2025 | Operation Warm, 50 Applied Bank Boulevard, Glen Mills, PA 19342 |

Powered by Firespring