SAN YSIDRO – One hundred fifty San Ysidro School District students kicked off their holiday season with brand new footwear courtesy of the Union-Tribune Shoe Fund.

“I like the Paw Patrol shoes,” Smythe Elementary kindergartener Jose Jacome said. “These are the ones I want, they’re nice.”

Students from all seven District schools filled the aisles of Payless Shoe Source at the Las Americas Premium Outlets to pick out new school shoes with their families during the two-hour private shopping event on Friday, Dec. 2. Specifically, school staff members identified 20 to 25 students from each school to receive a voucher.

“Our students deserve the best, and to see their faces light up with excitement and gratitude makes everything we do that much more meaningful,” Student and Family Services Manager Veronica Medina said.

The donation by the Union-Tribune Shoe Fund, which operates solely on contributions from San Diego County residents, helps the District maintain its commitment to support all students, especially those in need.

“We want our students to know how important they are to us and how important their overall well-being is,” San Ysidro School District Superintendent Dr. Julio Fonseca said. “We are working tirelessly to remove as many obstacles as we can to ensure our students can come to school focused on their academics and their future.”

The Union-Tribune Shoe Fund was established during the depression in the 1930’s and through the years has provided tens of thousands of shoes to needy San Diego County school-aged children.

“Our District is extremely fortunate to have the support of generous community partners who are as dedicated as we are to serving our students,” Board of Education President Marcos A. Diaz said. “We are continually seeking ways to partner with our community to bring additional opportunities to support students in their academic endeavors.”

Photo Captions:

SYSDShoeVoucher1: Smythe Elementary kindergartener Jose Jacome gives his new Paw Patrol shoes – courtesy of the Union-Tribune Shoe Fund – a big thumbs-up.

SYSDShoeVoucher2: Students from the District’s seven schools received new shoes during a private shopping event held at Payless Shoe Source at the Las Americas Premium Outlets.

SYSDShoeVoucher3: One hundred fifty shoe vouchers were given away to SYSD students in need of new footwear.