Fort Worth ISD elementary students find their footing with nonprofit’s shoe donation
Anthony Sandoval had $1 in his pocket.
While his schoolmates wriggled around in their seats with excitement, furiously clapping their hands — smiling ear-to-ear — Anthony likewise sat in anticipation.
The fourth grader at Hubbard Heights Elementary School waited for his name to be called — ready to walk onto the school's auditorium stage and high-five some adults as nonprofit Maggie's Sole Mission encouraged students to continue learning during an Oct. 17 event at the school.
Finally, he heard it.
"Anthony Sandoval," a teacher called.
Anthony jumped out of his seat. He sped to the stage with a grin. Feeling around in his hoodie pocket, he tried to make a trade when he arrived. Anthony offered Lisa Nichols, Maggie's Sole Mission's founder, his $1 bill.
Nichols did not take Anthony's payment. Instead, she handed the 10-year-old a brand new orange Nike box. As he slowly opened the box lid and tore back its wrapping paper, Anthony got a waft of that new shoe smell, he said.
"These are sick!" he said when he finally unveiled his all-black Nike Flex Runner 3s. "I'm gonna run fast in these!"
Anthony's excitement was matched by his 27 peers, each chosen to receive a new pair of shoes from Maggie's Sole Mission. The nonprofit also presented $5,000 to the school for future shoe purchases for students in need.
To Anthony and his classmates the shoes are "sick," "comfy" and will go with any outfit, fourth graders Max Menchaca and Wendy Hernandez said. For Hubbard Heights Principal Edgar Gonatice, the shoes are a boost of confidence for the kids and a symbol of community support.
"Something as simple as a new pair of shoes can have a big impact," Gonatice said.
Fort Worth ISD school board member Anael Luebanos agreed.
"At Fort Worth ISD, we know when students are supported, even with something as simple as shoes, they can focus more on their education and achieve their full potential," he said.
Lisa Nichols, founder of Maggie's Sole Mission, said sometimes students won't show up to class, or school, if their shoes don't fit or are tearing apart.
"Now, here's your homework," Nichols told the students. "Every time you put on this new pair of shoes I want you to remember that we believe in you."
Since 2021, Nichols has traveled across Fort Worth ISD spreading that same message. The nonprofit held the same event at Hubbard Heights last year and, two years ago, donated new pairs to the Hope Center for Autism, the Fort Worth ISD's Parent Partnerships department and T.A. Sims Elementary School.
Later on the afternoon of Oct. 17, Nichols and the organization visited Bruce Shulkey Elementary School to do the same thing. Still, the day is a tough one for Nichols, she said.
Four years ago, on Oct. 17, Nichols' mom, Fort Worth teacher and principal Maggie Sohel died of cancer. Nichols remembered how her mom secretly bought new shoes and paid utility bills for her students, she said.
To keep her mother's spirit of giving alive, she created Maggie's Sole Mission. Every year on Oct. 17, the nonprofit uses donated funds to host shoe donations similar to the one at Hubbard Heights.
"This is the best part," Nichols said. "We get to give the shoes to the kids, see them try them on and everyone's super excited and proud of them."
Nichols hopes to continue to find the funding and donations to keep Maggie's Sole Mission alive for many Oct. 17s to come, she said.
The students certainly appreciate it.
After unveiling his new, all-black kicks, Anthony kicked off his pair of scarlet Adidas Lite Racer Adapt 7.0 s — the soles were scuffed. He slipped on his Nikes.
A perfect fit, he said — and perfect for recess.
Matthew Sgroi is an education reporter for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at or .
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