Throughout the past year, GSF Foundation (GSFF) Committees have organized shoe donations for children and families in need across the U.S. through GSFF’s Best Foot Forward program. Among the 12 local teams participating this year, KanPak Kansas, Quality Custom Distribution (QCD) Charlotte, Chicago East, Chicago West, Fontana, Frisco, Indianapolis, Spokane, and Suffolk, along with GSF City of Industry, Conyers, and Irvine teamed up with local elementary schools and non-profits to donate 2,156 total pairs of children’s shoes.
“Several parents were overwhelmed with tears of appreciation at the event,” said Pete Van Saun, QCD Charlotte’s GSFF Assistant Chair and Safety and Training Manager. “One little girl translated for her mom; she had a simple ask. Her words: ‘Can you please help my mom with a pair of shoes? She can’t afford them.’ We were able to help them both. This is what the Foundation is all about: helping children and families in need.”
Supporting GSF’s long-time partnership with McDonald’s owner/operators Solano-DeCarrier Management, QCD Chicago West helped deliver 600 pairs of donated shoes to children through local nonprofits earlier in 2022. Additionally, QCD Chicago East and QCD Indianapolis associates participated in Best Foot Forward for the first time this year.
“The excitement, smiles, and many thank you messages from the kiddos were priceless, and the ability to help the local community is an honor,” said Scott Dotzert, GSFF volunteer and QCD Indianapolis General Manager.
During the Foundation’s 20-year history, GSFF Committees have funded and donated nearly 30,000 pairs of new children’s shoes to those most in need in the local communities where associates live and work. The Best Foot Forward program supports healthy life choices by donating shoes that help children participate in their schools’ physical education activities. With the right shoes, a child can feel confident and safe getting their recommended daily exercise. By jump-starting children on the path to fitness and health, the GSF Foundation provides at-risk children an opportunity that will enhance their quality of life.