Winter Warmth, Big Smiles: SC4K Brings Comfort and Confidence to Students at Natividad Pagan International Newcomers Academy

On a joyful day filled with generosity and community spirit, Shoes and Clothes for Kids (SC4K) took part in a Winter Wonderland holiday celebration at Natividad Pagan International Newcomers Academy. This annual event, in partnership with WKYC-Channel 3 and Community West Foundation and dozens of volunteers, makes it possible for SC4K to ensure more Cleveland students have the essentials they need to stay warm, confident, and ready to learn this winter.

For students who have just arrived in Cleveland from other countries and Puerto Rico, Nativid Pagan International Newcomers Academy provides a welcoming learning environment to help them get used to American culture and customs, while providing rigorous ESL (English as a Second Language) classes.

A Winter Wonderland Celebration

The holidays are a special time at the school because of the wide variety of religious and cultural beliefs represented by the students and teachers. During the school’s day-long Winter Wonderland celebration, SC4K provided each student with a pair of new winter boots, warm winter gloves, and new socks. In addition to winter items, SC4K volunteers helped distribute 55 teacher desk kits to the school’s educators. This support will make an immediate and meaningful difference, especially for students who are experiencing a cold Cleveland winter for the first time.

Students and teachers were welcomed by smiling volunteers and SC4K staff members as they participated in a Winter Wonderland experience that extended beyond SC4K’s distribution. In the gym, students enjoyed holiday decorations, a DJ, games, and crafts, creating a fun, engaging atmosphere while they waited for their turn to receive items.

Community Partners Step Up for Students

SC4K’s involvement was made possible because of generous financial support from Community West Foundation and Margaret W. Wong & Associates LLC, whose commitment to uplifting those in need in our community is inspiring.

We would also like to acknowledge the generosity of the following partners:

• America SCORES Cleveland Chapter led the students in soccer activities all day long
• Margaret Bernstein championed the event last year and continued her involvement this year as a volunteer
• Kids’ Book Bank provided free books and posters to all K-12 students
• DJ Kris Koch set the mood through fabulous holiday music and playful skits with the students
• Reliability First sent two groups of employees to distribute boots and assist students in the SC4K room throughout the day.
• SC4K Board Members Karen Fox and Kelly Rudloff, and Associate Board Member Hue DeLuca distributed boots, socks, and gloves alongside Community West Foundation board members and Michael Patterson from Margaret W. Wong & Associates LLC
• WKYC-News Channel 3 secured in-kind donations and led the students in fun holiday crafts

More than a distribution, Winter Wonderland centered on dignity, care, and connection. SC4K staff and volunteers supported students throughout the experience, while teachers celebrated alongside their students, reflecting the strong partnerships that make this work possible.

“Seeing our students walk away smiling, warm, and confident is what this work is all about,” shared a member of the SC4K team. “Winter Wonderland reminds us how powerful community support can be.”

More Than Boots—A Step Toward Opportunity

Winter Wonderland is about more than warm footwear. It’s about removing barriers, affirming dignity, and giving students the confidence to focus on learning rather than their basic needs. Each pair of boots distributed represents another step toward equity and opportunity for kids in our community.

Thank you to our partners, volunteers, and supporters for helping SC4K make winter warmer for hundreds of students. Together, we are ensuring that every child can step into the season with comfort and confidence.

View the photos from the day on Flickr.

Want to join in keep the warmth going? Donate to our Socks in the City Campaign running now through December 31st.