The Cleveland-Cliffs Foundation Invests $50,000 in Middletown Students Through Shoes 4 the Shoeless
The Cleveland-Cliffs Foundation Invests $50,000 in Middletown Students Through Shoes 4 the Shoeless
The Cleveland-Cliffs Foundation Invests $50,000 in Middletown Students Through Shoes 4 the Shoeless
MIDDLETOWN, Ohio — A $50,000 contribution from The Cleveland-Cliffs Foundation will directly benefit Middletown City Schools students through Shoes 4 the Shoeless during the 2026-2027 school year.
“This partnership is a powerful example of what can happen when organizations come together around the needs of students,” said Elgin Card, Superintendent of Middletown City Schools. “When our students have their basic needs met, they are better positioned to focus on learning, participate fully in their school day and feel confident walking through our doors. We are incredibly grateful to Cleveland-Cliffs and Shoes 4 the Shoeless for investing in our students and helping ensure they have what they need to be successful.”
“As a major employer in Middletown, Cleveland-Cliffs is committed to the well-being of Middletown’s residents, especially its children,” said Lourenco Goncalves, Chairman and CEO of Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. “The Cleveland-Cliffs Foundation is pleased to partner with Shoes 4 the Shoeless to ensure every elementary student in Middletown City Schools has access to new, properly fitting shoes for the 2026-2027 school year. Our $50,000 investment will provide more than 1,250 pairs of new shoes, ensuring that Middletown students come to school ready to learn.”
Shoes 4 the Shoeless is a nonprofit organization that provides new, properly fitting gym shoes and socks to children in need throughout Southwest Ohio. Through school-based events, trained staff and volunteers work directly with students to ensure they receive shoes that fit correctly, addressing a basic need that can affect health, confidence and participation in school activities.
The investment was celebrated at Amanda Elementary School, where representatives from Cleveland-Cliffs joined Shoes 4 the Shoeless and Middletown City Schools to recognize the $50,000 contribution. Cleveland-Cliffs employees volunteered during the event alongside Shoes 4 the Shoeless and volunteers from several local organizations. Middletown High School Hope Squad students also participated, spending time with younger students and helping them feel comfortable and excited as they selected and were fitted for their new shoes.
Shoes 4 the Shoeless will continue visiting Middletown City Schools throughout the school year, giving students across the district access to the program.
“A properly fitting pair of shoes can make an immediate difference for a child,” said Shoes 4 the Shoeless Executive Director Kris Horlacher. “Students can walk into school more comfortably and confidently and participate in the activities that are part of their school day. This investment from The Cleveland-Cliffs Foundation will allow us to make that difference for even more Middletown students this year.”
