The Chula Vista Police Department held its 11th Annual Shoe & Sock Drive on Dec. 10, partnering with the Chula Vista Elementary School District, SBCS, and Solo Shoes, providing brand new shoes and socks to less fortunate youth. Students in attendance were selected by the CVESD and met Chula Vista Police School Resource Officers at Solo Shoes and were given the opportunity to handpick new shoes and socks, as well as receiving backpacks and school supplies.
“To see a child’s face light up over something as basic and necessary as shoes warms my heart and reminds me why it’s so important for my department to lead the way on these types of events,” said Chula Vista Police Chief Roxana Kennedy in a press release, adding that the event would not be possible without donations from the community. “The Shoe and Sock Drive was created by the Department’s School Resource Officer Unit over a decade ago when they decided to do something about a heartbreaking issue they noticed at their assigned schools. They watched year after year as kids returned from summer break with new backpacks and clothing. And yet, there were always a handful of students wearing worn out shoes and missing some essentials. While they knew they could not tackle every issue these students were facing, the officers decided to focus on getting these students new shoes and socks. Over time, the project evolved into providing new backpacks and school supplies as well.”
• Monetary donations are still being accepted through the Chula Vista Police Foundation, which is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. All donations are tax-deductible. There are two ways to donate:
Visit https://chulavistapolicefoundation.org/donate-today/ to donate directly on the Chula Vista Police Foundation website. Be sure to type “SRO Shoe and Sock event” in the “Comment” section.
• Write a check payable to “Chula Vista Police Foundation” with “SRO Shoe and Sock event” written in the memo section. Send it to ATTN: Officer Ruvalcaba, SRO Unit, 315 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91910
