<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2x0mCG_1Gwpg5fj00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2x0mCG_1Gwpg5fj00" width="670" height="446" ><figcaption>Kimberly Weingartner, founder of the Katie Grace Foundation and her team at Pau-Wa-Lu Middle School on Nov. 4.</figcaption></figure>Students from Scarselli Elementary School and Pau-Wa-Lu Middle School received a gift on Nov. 4 when the Katie Grace Foundation visited Gardnerville as part of its annual shoe program.The two Douglas County schools were selected among 15 schools participating in the foundation's program this year, which provides brand-new, name-brand shoes to students in need.Each year, the Katie Grace Foundation typically selects schools in the Reno area, but this year, the organization decided to expand its reach to surrounding communities."We decided to go to our surrounding areas," shared Kimberly Weingartner, founder of the Katie Grace Foundation. "We chose Minden because Starbucks is one of our sponsors, and we know that Starbucks is out in this area."Starbucks volunteers joined the foundation Wednesday morning, helping students find the right sizes, try on shoes and select their favorite styles. The event was set up like a shoe store, with a variety of Nike, Converse and Vans shoes available for students to choose from.In addition to their new shoes, students received three pairs of socks, a special tribute to Katie, whose favorite number was three. Students also had the opportunity to select a new winter jacket if needed, along with beanies, gloves, school supplies and fresh food provided by Whole Foods.These additional items were made possible through donations from community partners, including jackets from Marmot, winter accessories from Raley's and school supplies from Walmart.School counselors and principals identified students who would benefit from the program, ensuring the shoes and other supplies reached those who needed them most."It's strictly about kids that are in need that could use a new pair of shoes," Weingartner explained. "We want to make sure those kids get to feel like all the other kids. We want them to feel valued and loved, and that they're no different than anybody else."The foundation estimated that approximately 250 students would participate in the day's event, with around 1,500 pairs of shoes brought in to provide a wide selection of sizes and styles.Weingartner founded the Katie Grace Foundation in loving memory of her daughter, Katie, who passed away 10 years ago.Katie was known for her kindness, generosity and ability to make everyone feel included. Her mother describes her as someone who never believed in strangers, only friends she hadn't met yet."She loved shoes, and I love shoes, so we just decided to make this part of her legacy," Weingartner shared.What began with just 40 pairs of shoes purchased with personal funds has grown into a program that has distributed more than 7,000 pairs of new, name-brand shoes to children in need.The program is made possible through donations and community partnerships. Hot August Nights is a major financial supporter of the shoe program, providing funding that allows the foundation to purchase shoes each year. Additional shoes are donated by brands and other partners.Beyond its shoe program, the Katie Grace Foundation supports nonprofit organizations throughout Northern Nevada by distributing donated products and essential supplies to underserved communities.Douglas County School District thanks Kimberly Weingartner, the Katie Grace Foundation, Starbucks volunteers and the many community sponsors who helped make this opportunity possible for Scarselli Elementary and Pau-Wa-Lu Middle School students.Visit www.ktgracefoundation.org to learn more about the Katie Grace Foundation and its community outreach programs.</div></body>

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Students from Scarselli Elementary School and Pau-Wa-Lu Middle School received a gift on Nov. 4 when the Katie Grace Foundation visited Gardnerville as part of its annual shoe program. The two Douglas County schools were selected among 15 schools participating in the foundation's program this year, which provides brand-new, name-brand...

Douglas schools receive new kicks

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Students from Scarselli Elementary School and Pau-Wa-Lu Middle School received a gift on Nov. 4 when the Katie Grace Foundation visited Gardnerville as par

Douglas schools receive new kicks

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