ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Since Sandia’s Shoes for Kids campaign began 54 years ago, the volunteer effort has provided about 12,300 pairs of shoes to needy school children.

The program began when two Sandia National Laboratories scientists decided that  instead of exchanging Christmas gifts or cards with each other, they would buy shoes for needy school children.

Fittings are scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays at The Shoe Department from early November through early February. About 500 children are fitted yearly.

Shoe Department employees and Sandia volunteers help fit the children. Excitement mounts as each child selects his or her special shoes.

The campaign began with 15-30 children getting new shoes. Over the years, word spread and Sandia’s campaign has continued to grow, benefiting young children, many of whom are not aware they are in need — they just know they are getting new shoes.

The project is a team effort; The Sandia Laboratory Federal Credit Union collects the donations, The Shoe Department provides shoes at a discounted price, Albuquerque Public Schools teachers and staff identify children in need and numerous bus companies throughout the city provide transportation from the schools to The Shoe Department.

“Shoes for Kids gives needy children the opportunity to be on a level play field with the rest of their classmates,” says Sandia project leader Patty Zamora. “When children are given the right tools, they can succeed beyond their wildest dreams.”

Sandia National Laboratories is a multiprogram laboratory operated and managed by Sandia Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation, for the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration. With main facilities in Albuquerque, N.M., and Livermore, Calif., Sandia has major R&D responsibilities in national security, energy and environmental technologies, and economic competitiveness.

Sandia news media contact: Iris Aboytes, ioaboyt@sandia.gov, 505-844-2282