A year-round community program providing children with properly fitting, weather-appropriate boots—at no cost—when families need them.

 Why Boots?

  • Boots are expensive

  • Kids outgrow them quickly

  • Sizing is hard to get right

  • Families often need them urgently

This program removes these barriers with a simple, dignified solution.

Who We Serve

  • Newborns through high school

  • CIFK & non-CIFK families

  • Referrals from schools, food pantries, housing programs, and community partners

How It Works

  1. Families request boots year-round

  2. Children are fitted to ensure proper size

  3. Families choose from new or gently used boots

  4. Outgrown boots can be returned to help another child

Donation Tips for Donors

  • Please donate boots you would feel comfortable giving to a child in your own family

  • Tie laces together or secure pairs with rubber bands

  • Label sizes when possible (helpful but not required)

  • Boots that cannot be redistributed will be responsibly recycled or disposed of whenever possible.

Guidelines for Accepting Used Boots

To ensure all children receive safe, comfortable, and high-quality footwear, the Council accepts used boots only that meet the following standards.

Boots We Accept

Used boots must be:

  • Clean and odor-free

  • Waterproof or water-resistant

  • Free of holes, cracks, or separating seams

  • Have intact soles with good tread

  • Fully functional (zippers, laces, Velcro, buckles)

  • Recently worn (not outdated or excessively worn)

  • Appropriate for children and youth (newborn through high school)

Boots We Cannot Accept

For safety and dignity reasons, we do not accept boots that are:

  • Heavily worn, flattened, or slippery on the sole

  • Torn, cracked, or peeling

  • Moldy, mildewed, or have strong odors

  • Missing pairs or mismatched sizes

  • Adult-only boots (unless teen-sized)

  • Fashion boots not suitable for weather or outdoor use

Hygiene & Safety Standards

  • All donated boots are visually inspected before acceptance

  • Boots will be cleaned and sanitized before redistribution

  • The Council reserves the right to decline any item that does not meet program standards

Seasonal Needs

We especially welcome:

  • Winter boots (fall & winter)

  • Rain boots (spring)

  • Larger youth and teen sizes (ongoing need)

Thank You

Your donations help ensure every child has boots that fit—supporting safety, comfort, and confidence year-round.

Questions? info@councilforchildren.org