Giving with Heart, Serving with Sole: Thank You, Volunteers!

As April and National Volunteer Month come to a close, I want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible people who are truly the heart & sole of SC4K: our volunteers!

Now in my 15th year with Shoes and Clothes for Kids, I continue to be amazed by the passion, generosity, and consistency our volunteers bring to our mission. For 56 years, SC4K has worked to remove barriers to school attendance by providing new shoes, clothes, and school supplies to students in need. Every day, volunteers help turn that mission into real impact.

The Power of SC4K Volunteers

Because of our volunteers, students attend school with new shoes, clothes, and school supplies and a renewed sense of confidence. A child who might otherwise feel left out now fits in, stands tall, and experiences what SC4K is all about: More than new outfits. New outlooks.

The numbers tell a powerful story of what our volunteers accomplished in 2024: 

• 1,507 volunteers from more than 100 companies, schools, and community groups laced up and stepped in to support our mission. 
• They donated 14,248 hours of service, which is the equivalent of seven full-time staff members. If we had to pay for that time, it would cost us $478,371.16! 

A Celebration of Heart & Sole

Yesterday, we celebrated a special group of volunteers at our Heart & Sole Volunteer Appreciation Lunch, generously sponsored by our partners at Third Federal Savings & Loan. The event was dedicated to honoring the volunteers who make our work possible and was filled with gratitude, laughter, and meaningful connections that remind us why the SC4K family is so special. It was a celebration stitched together with heart, hustle, and just the right fit of appreciation.   

 We also gave a special shoutout to a truly remarkable group: our weekly, year-round volunteers, affectionately known as our “weeklies.” These volunteers show up consistently, no matter the weather or the workload, and their dedication is unmatched. To celebrate their commitment, we surprised them with a round of fun awards that recognized the spirit and energy they bring to SC4K every single week. 

• Sue Galandiuk is our Sole Saver – Going the extra mile to perfectly pair every shoe, sock, and glove to make sure none are left hanging. 
• Amy Nadler is the Most Spirited – Bringing energy, positivity, and good vibes to every day… rain or shine. 
• Karen Fox won Sock It to Me – Making even the tiniest essential, like socks and underwear, feel like gold. 
• Darlene Dobbins is a Team Player – Always ready to jump in, help out, and keep the team moving forward. 
• Joe Maglio has the Most Smiles – Smiling and spreading joy with a bright outlook that lights up the room! 
• Randy Fine is a Quiet Champion – A behind-the-scenes hero who works hard, makes a big impact, and never asks for the spotlight. 
• Denise McCray is a Ray of Sunshine – The always-upbeat, day-brightening volunteer whose presence lifts everyone around them.  
• Stephanie Caldwell Puts the Heart in Heart & Sole – Embodying SC4K’s mission in everything they do… heart, hands, AND hustle 
• Loraine Wancata Folds with Finesse – Turning piles into perfectly folded stacks in record speed, keeping things looking sharp and ready. 

These awards may be playful, but the appreciation is real. SC4K is stronger because of this incredible group and we’re so lucky to have them walk beside us. View our photos from the lunch.

Investing in the Volunteer Experience

To ensure the volunteer experience is just as meaningful as the impact they make, at our March retreat, our team spent a morning volunteering at the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. It gave us a valuable chance to step into the shoes of volunteers and learn from an organization that values volunteers as much as we do.  

We also welcomed Robert Zamesky from BVU, who shared insights into what volunteers are looking for today and how we can continue attracting and retaining people who care.  

We finished the day mapping out new ways to enhance every shift, every interaction, and every connection at SC4K.  

The retreat was tailor-made to help us strengthen the volunteer experience from start to finish. 

Shining a Light on Our Leadership

Our Board and Associate Board members go above and beyond, not just in meetings, but at our Free Store, events, and behind the scenes. They lead with strategy and with sleeves rolled up. Their dedication is the perfect fit, supporting every step we take toward student success. View our Board Members and Associate Board members.

And yes, I know I packed in the puns. (Sole sorry… but when you’ve got this much heart in one place, how can you not have a little fun with it?) 

From the bottom of my heart & sole, thank you to all of our volunteers for walking this journey with us. 

#HeartAndSole #SC4KVolunteers #SewGrateful #LeadershipInAction