Wichita Foundation Provides Free Shoes to Every Student at Anderson Elementary

The Genesis Foundation for Fitness and Tennis is visiting five schools this year to hand out new socks and shoes.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 2:52am

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The Genesis Foundation for Fitness and Tennis delivered a new pair of shoes and socks to every student at Anderson Elementary in Wichita, Kansas on Tuesday as part of their Kicks for Kids program. The foundation is visiting a total of five schools this year to provide free footwear to students who need it most.

Why it matters

Access to proper footwear is an important but often overlooked issue for many students from low-income families. The Kicks for Kids program aims to ensure all children have comfortable, well-fitting shoes to support their health, development, and ability to participate fully in school activities.

The details

Employees from the Genesis Foundation measured each child's feet at an earlier date, and on Tuesday they delivered brand new shoes that fit each student. The foundation says their goal is to provide a new pair of shoes for every child at the five schools they are visiting this year.

  • The Genesis Foundation delivered the shoes and socks to Anderson Elementary on Tuesday, March 11, 2026.
  • The foundation is visiting a total of five schools this year as part of the Kicks for Kids program.

The players

Genesis Foundation for Fitness and Tennis

A Wichita-based nonprofit organization that provides free athletic equipment and programming to underserved youth.

Anderson Elementary

A public elementary school located in Wichita, Kansas that received the free shoes and socks from the Genesis Foundation.

DeAnn White

The Executive Director of the Genesis Foundation for Fitness and Tennis.

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What they’re saying

“We had one little boy say, 'Today is my day to wear tennis shoes, and tomorrow my brother gets to wear tennis shoes, because we only have one pair in our family that fits.' Our goal is to go out and have a new pair of shoes for every kid in the five schools.”

— DeAnn White, Executive Director, Genesis Foundation for Fitness and Tennis (KWCH)

What’s next

The Genesis Foundation plans to visit four more schools this year to distribute additional pairs of free shoes and socks to students in need.

The takeaway

The Kicks for Kids program demonstrates how community-based organizations can make a meaningful difference in the lives of local students by addressing basic needs like access to proper footwear, which is essential for children's health, comfort, and ability to fully participate in school activities.