WYOMING, Mich. (WOOD) — Students at a Godwin Heights elementary school came home with a brand-new pair of shoes thanks to a national nonprofit.
Operation Warm on Wednesday provided a free pair of shoes to every student at West Godwin Elementary in Wyoming.
“It makes me happy. It makes me happy to see the genuine joy on their faces,” Lasanna Brew, a programs manager for Operation Warm, said. “I had one kid say, ‘My mom’s going to be so happy today.’ So it’s priceless to just see this joy.”
Operation Warm travels the country providing shoes and coats.
“Our goal is to provide under-resourced kids with warmth, confidence and hope,” Brew said.
More than 400 kids got the shoes for free thanks to Bimbo Bakeries, the owner of Thomas’ English muffins.
“To keep bringing joy to every kid, to see the smile and also just to give them confidence when they’re out playing — they don’t have to be worried about maybe their shoes coming apart or anything, just to give them that security and confidence,” Brew said.
Each student, kindergarten through fifth grade, was also given socks.
“We go up to a size nine adult. So when the kids come in, they’ll get sized, they’ll be matched with a volunteer. They get the ultimate shopping experience. They get to pick whatever shoe and color they want,” Brew said.
Students at West Godwin Elementary in Wyoming are fitted for shoes through the Operation Warm program. (May 21, 2025)
Students at West Godwin Elementary in Wyoming get new shoes through the Operation Warm program. (May 21, 2025)
Students at West Godwin Elementary in Wyoming get new shoes through the Operation Warm program. (May 21, 2025)
The nonprofit has been around for 25 years, providing shoes and coats to more than 6 million children.
The school is grateful for the help.
“Especially nowadays that (the cost of) everything is going up, a lot of our families are very tight when it comes to income,” Marisol Garcia, Kent School Services Network coordinator at West Godwin Elementary School, said.
That cost can quickly add up, especially for families with multiple children.
“Every pair of shoes is around $40, $50,” Garcia said. “So having this for everyone in the community, it’s just amazing.”
