Round Rock police helping students step into success with new shoes
SomeRound Rock students will be able to start the school year with a new pair of shoes courtesy of the Police Department.
The goal of Step N2 Success is to provide new shoes to at least 200 students in need by raising at least $50,000. People can donate at bit.ly/3NNCmCR.
Spearheaded by Assistant Chief Willie Richards, the project is focused on providing students with the necessary tools to bolster their confidence to ensure their future success.
"We want them to have success early on," Richards said. "That's what really morphed this project ... helping the kids feel better about themselves. We want them to know their value, that we see it and that we support them."
Richards, whose family was not able to afford new shoes when he was younger, said he wanted to be able to help students have confidence as they go to school and have a reminder that they are special and valued.
Students will receive the shoes on Aug. 14 at Kalahari Resorts, where they also will eachreceive two waterpark passes. Richards said he hopes this will become an annual project.
Students will be selected from the Police Department's Operation Blue Santa database, Richards said. Next year, the departments plans to widen that audience and potentially solicit applications from the public.
Operation Blue Santa is a nonprofit organized by volunteers and employees of the Round Rock police and fire departments focused on helping families who apply for assistance during the holiday season.
According to the Round Rock school district, nearly 30% of students are economically disadvantaged,between 800 to 900 students are homeless and over 15,000 receive financial assistance or qualify for free and reduced lunches.
"Strong partnerships with the community are critical to the success of public schools," Jenny Caputo a spokesperson for the school district said. "We are incredibly fortunate to have a community full of individuals and organizations who support public schools and want to do all they can to help students and educators. We are so thankful for the Step N2 Success program and this year's Leadership Round Rock class for recognizing the needs of students and making such a huge impact. A new pair of shoes for a student facing hardship and uncertainty can make the world of difference."
The Leadership Round Rock Class of 2022 has committed to raising at least $10,000 to support the program. The group is a Round Rock Chamber program focused on developing leadership skills and promotingawareness of issues and opportunities that impact the city.
"Leadership Round Rock is thrilled to be able to support this initiative to help RRISD students in need ... so they have the confidence to take on the new school year by providing them with a pair of shoes," said Zach Scott, the director of workforce and industry developmentfor the Round Rock Chamber.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Round Rock police helping students step into success with new shoes
