Getting Their Kicks

More than 500 brand-new pairs of sneakers landed at Webster Elementary School on Wednesday, part of a major donation effort led by the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation and the nonprofit Shoes That Fit. The delivery was a show of solidarity for a campus that’s still healing from the emotional and logistical trauma of the Eaton Fire.

Webster Elementary and Cleveland Preschool were among the schools severely impacted when January’s blaze forced evacuations across Altadena and Pasadena. In all, more than 10,000 Pasadena Unified students had to evacuate, and nearly 1,000 students and staff reported losing their homes, said Pasadena Unified School District Board President Jennifer Hall Lee.

“I am here with people who are very special — the Webster Wolves,” said Hall Lee. “You are helping to restore joy and confidence in our students as they run around with friends or explore Webster’s garden and outdoor science classroom.”

In a festive morning assembly, punctuated by cheers and chants of “Let’s Go Dodgers!,” every student and staff member at the school received a Dodger cap, a new pair of sneakers — and two tickets to a future Dodgers home game.

Dodgers broadcaster and former player Jerry Hairston Jr. emphasized the team’s deep commitment to community outreach.

“So many Dodger players, current and past, have done so much in the community,” Hairston said. “Being a professional baseball player is about more than what happens on the field — it’s about having an impact beyond it.”

He also offered the students a message of resilience.

“You guys have been through so much,” he told them. “Just like the Dodgers didn’t give up in last year’s World Series — and didn’t give up in extra innings last night — you didn’t give up either. That’s why you’re champions.”

The morning began with remarks from Webster Principal Kristen Forestt, who thanked the Dodgers Foundation and Shoes That Fit, for their generosity.

“This act of kindness is more than a material gift,” said Forestt. “It is a reminder that we are not alone, that we are supported, and that there is hope in times of hardship.”

Amy Fass, CEO of Shoes That Fit, encouraged students to remember the importance of community and friendship.

“There’s a whole community out there invested in you,” Fass told the students. “They want you to thrive and be your best selves.”

Nicole Whiteman, CEO of the Dodgers Foundation, praised the ongoing partnership with Shoes That Fit, and reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to Los Angeles-area youth.

“We hope today brings a little bit of hope and a lot of smiles,” she said.

It was a day not just of new shoes, but renewed strength, community pride, and one more strong step after the fire.