Mercedes-Benz, renowned for its luxury vehicles and commitment to excellence, extended its dedication to driving progress beyond the road this holiday season. Through its “Season to Shine” program, Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) took significant strides to empower children across the nation by donating brand new athletic shoes. This initiative, powered by a partnership with the impactful nonprofit organization Shoes That Fit, aimed to provide kids with not just footwear, but also dignity and the joy of attending school feeling confident and ready to learn.
This heartwarming program falls under the umbrella of MBUSA’s broader corporate social responsibility initiative, “Driving Your Future.” This program strategically focuses on investing in the next generation through crucial pillars such as educational programs, career readiness initiatives, and child safety enhancements. The “Season to Shine” shoe donation perfectly embodies this commitment, directly addressing a fundamental need that can significantly impact a child’s school experience and overall well-being.
Dimitris Psillakis, president and CEO of MBUSA, articulated the core motivation behind the initiative: “We are incredibly proud to collaborate with Shoes That Fit and contribute to students nationwide with these sneaker donations. This effort is a concrete step towards ensuring children can step into school each day with assurance, prepared to fully engage in learning, play, and achieve their aspirations.” He further emphasized the long-term vision, stating, “Our dedication lies in fostering the growth of the next generation and making a meaningful, lasting impact within our local communities and beyond.”
Atlanta, a key community for MBUSA, was a focal point for this generous outreach. MBUSA delivered an impressive 1,270 pairs of new shoes to every student at two partner schools: Michael R. Hollis Innovation Academy and Leonora P. Miles Intermediate Elementary. Adding star power and further amplifying the holiday spirit, brand ambassador and acclaimed artist Ludacris joined MBUSA employee volunteers in personally distributing the shoes to the enthusiastic students.
Ludacris, deeply connected to his Atlanta roots and passionate about youth empowerment, shared his enthusiasm for the event: “Supporting and serving the children in my hometown of Atlanta is something I genuinely care about. It was an honor to team up with my friends at Mercedes-Benz for their Season to Shine event and give back to the community.” He further reflected on the broader impact of such initiatives, noting, “I believe these new shoes are more than just footwear; they represent a stepping stone for these students to pursue their dreams and unlock their full potential. I am truly grateful to play a part in this positive endeavor.”
Beyond the impactful event in Atlanta, MBUSA extended the reach of “Season to Shine” nationwide. Employees across the country were encouraged to participate by donating new shoes directly to Shoes That Fit. These collective contributions ensured that children in numerous local communities would also benefit from the program, amplifying the overall positive impact.
Thalise Perry, Principal at Miles Intermediate Elementary School, highlighted the immediate and meaningful effect of the donation: “Starting the holiday season with a brand-new pair of shoes provides our students with a vital boost of confidence as they continue through the school year. We extend our sincere gratitude to Mercedes-Benz for making this heartwarming event possible and bringing so much holiday cheer to our school.”
Shoes That Fit, the dedicated nonprofit partnering with Mercedes-Benz, has been tirelessly addressing this critical need since 1992. To date, they have provided over 2 million pairs of brand-new shoes and essential items to children across the United States. Their long-term efforts have yielded remarkable results in schools, with 62% reporting improved student behavior and an impressive 87% noting increased student self-esteem directly linked to their work.
Amy Fass, CEO and Executive Director of Shoes That Fit, powerfully articulated the profound importance of this often-overlooked necessity: “Shoes are fundamentally important in a child’s life. Too many families face incredibly difficult choices, often having to prioritize rent and food over shoes. This leaves children wearing ill-fitting, embarrassing shoes that can hinder their participation in physical activities and, tragically, sometimes even lead to school absenteeism. New shoes deliver a basic yet lasting positive impact.” Expressing deep appreciation for the partnership, Fass concluded, “We are immensely grateful to Mercedes-Benz for recognizing this fundamental need and creating a lasting positive change in the lives of so many children by donating 1,270 pairs of shoes!”
For those interested in learning more about Mercedes-Benz’s ongoing commitment to community support, please visit https://www.mbusa.com/en/about-us#corporate-social-responsibility. Further details about the impactful work of Shoes That Fit can be found at www.shoesthatfit.org.
About Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, is responsible for the distribution, marketing, and exceptional customer service for all Mercedes-Benz products throughout the United States. MBUSA boasts the most diverse lineup in the luxury automotive sector, featuring 15 model lines ranging from the versatile GLA SUV to the flagship S-Class and the high-performance Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series. MBUSA also manages Mercedes-Benz Vans in the U.S. Comprehensive information about MBUSA and its diverse product offerings can be explored at www.mbusa.com and www.mbvans.com.
