LA VERNE/SAN DIMAS – Several Bonita Unified students walked into class with a spring in their step when classes resumed following the holiday break.

Thanks to a Bonita Unified partnership with Sempra Energy and Claremont-based nonprofit Shoes that Fit, 75 Bonita Unified School District students received new footwear as the centerpiece of holiday gift baskets assembled by the District.

“It makes me feel really good,” one Lone Hill seventh-grader said. “I got to look forward to having new shoes for the new school year.”

The baskets were also filled with toys donated through the District’s annual toy drive, led by Lone Hill Middle School campus supervisor Cyndy Starkey. Sempra Energy’s effort is led by Wellness Advisor Douglas Tubbs and his co-workers.

A Bonita Unified parent said the gift baskets were a big help during the holiday season.

“Getting new shoes helps my daughter with confidence and also helps us as a family financially,” she said. “We would like to thank everyone at the District, Sempra and Shoes That Fit for sponsoring our family for the holidays; we are forever grateful to have such a heartfelt extended family.”

Shoes That Fit battles poverty by giving children new pairs of shoes, including brands such as Adidas, Nike and Converse, with help from the community. The organization believes that new shoes boost self-esteem, attendance rates and classroom participation.

“Bonita Unified School District is proud to partner with Sempra Energy and Shoes That Fit to give back to our families, parents and students, who make our education community so special,” Superintendent Carl J. Coles said. “Our District’s mission is to prepare students to live their purpose, and this is one way that we can do just that.”

PHOTO

Bonita_ Shoes_1_01_23_2020: Bonita Unified School District Superintendent Carl J. Coles thanks Douglas Tubbs of Sempra Energy and his team, who brought wrapped bags of name-brand shoes to the District office for families to pick up.