The Imperial Valley Children's Coalition (IVCC) successfully hosted its annual Back-to-School Shoe Drive, bringing together CASA children and Sheriff's Activities League (SAL) youth for a day focused on preparing children for a successful school year.
The annual event provided brand-new shoes to children participating in CASA of Imperial County and the Imperial County Sheriff's Activities League (SAL), reinforcing IVCC's mission of bringing organizations together to serve children through collaboration rather than duplication of services.
"One of the greatest strengths of the Imperial Valley Children's Coalition is our ability to bring organizations together for the benefit of children," said Alex Cardenas, CoChair of the Imperial Valley Children's Coalition. "Today wasn't about one organization-it was about CASA and SAL kids coming together under the Imperial Valley Children's Coalition. By working together, we're able to reach more children and create opportunities that none of us could accomplish alone."
Throughout the event, children selected brand-new shoes to help them start the school year with confidence. The Shoe Drive represents one of several collaborative initiatives coordinated annually by IVCC to improve the educational and recreational well-being of children throughout Imperial County.
"The Imperial Valley Children's Coalition is proof that when community organizations work together, children win," said Leticia Garcia, representative of the Imperial Valley Children's Coalition. "Every child deserves to begin the school year feeling confident and prepared. Seeing CASA and SAL youth together reminds us that our focus isn't on whose program they're in—it's on making sure every child has the support they need to succeed."
The Imperial Valley Children's Coalition extends its appreciation to the volunteers, community partners, and donors whose generosity made the annual Shoe Drive possible. Their continued support helps ensure local children have the resources needed to begin each school year on the right foot.
