Photo: Terence Rushin/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz USA
Just in time for the holidays, Ludacris partnered with Mercedes-Benz to help deliver new shoes to students in Atlanta.
It kicked off with Mercedes-Benz’s Season to Shine program teaming up with Shoes That Fit, a nonprofit organization. Through this partnership, Business Wire reports that 1,270 pairs of new sneakers were secured for students at two Atlanta schools: L.P. Miles Intermediate Elementary and Michael R. Hollis Innovation Academy.
Additionally, Mercedes-Benz partnered with Luda’s initiative—The Ludacris Foundation—to personally deliver some of the shoes on Wednesday, AP News reports. Specifically, Ludacris helped distribute over 500 pairs of shoes to students at Miles Elementary.
The “My Chick Bad” rapper spoke on the effort by acknowledging that he’s “thrilled” to be able to help his hometown community. He also dished on how initiatives like this are “small stepping stone[s] to helping these students live out their dreams.”
“I care deeply about supporting and serving kids in my hometown of Atlanta and it was an honor to help my friends at Mercedes give back with their Season to Shine event…The new shoes are a small stepping stone to helping these students live out their dreams and realize their greatness. I’m thrilled to be part of that.”
Luda went on to add that the effort is all about bringing joy and leaving the kids with pleasant memories.
“It’s all about giving kids moments that they’re going to remember for the rest of their lives, and I think today is one of those days that just coming here and seeing the smiles on their faces and making sure that, you know, everything is just given to them and knowing that we’re here to help and we’re here to encourage them.”
Thalise Perry, the principal of Miles Elementary, expressed similar sentiments. In fact, she shared that boosting children’s confidence has a positive impact inside the classroom.
“Kicking off the holiday season with a new pair of shoes will give our students the confidence they need to tackle the rest of the school year…When they feel good about themselves, they look good that they will perform high inside of our classroom. So many of our students each day, we look to make sure that we can provide support for them, support for their families. And this is one key way of doing just that.”
Dr. Lisa Herring, superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools, also shared that the initiative is an opportunity to “give [students] an opportunity to have great confidence as they walk in confidence through new shoes that have been provided for them.” So, it seems safe to say that both students and educators are pleased with the effort!
Shoutout to Ludacris and Mercedes-Benz for coming through and blessing students with new shoes. Of course, we have to praise Shoes That Fit as well for helping secure the kicks.
