Mercedes-Benz USA has once again demonstrated its commitment to community support through its ‘Season to Shine’ holiday program, this year focusing on a heartwarming initiative: donating brand-new athletic shoes to children across the nation. Partnering with the renowned non-profit organization Shoes That Fit, Mercedes-Benz aimed to empower students by providing them with the essential footwear needed to attend school with dignity and joy. This impactful program saw Mercedes-Benz team up with their brand ambassador, the acclaimed rapper and philanthropist Ludacris, and his foundation to personally deliver donated shoes to deserving students in Atlanta, marking a significant step in their ongoing corporate social responsibility efforts.
Driving Your Future, MBUSA’s flagship national corporate social responsibility program, serves as the backbone of initiatives like Season to Shine. This program is deeply rooted in empowering the next generation by actively supporting educational programs, fostering career readiness, and championing child safety. The donation of what some might playfully call “Mercedes Shoes” – high-quality athletic footwear facilitated by Mercedes-Benz – is a tangible manifestation of this commitment. It’s about providing children with more than just shoes; it’s about equipping them with confidence and the means to thrive in their educational journey.
“We are incredibly proud to collaborate with Shoes That Fit and to have provided sneakers to students nationwide,” stated Dimitris Psillakis, president and CEO of MBUSA. “This initiative directly addresses a fundamental need, ensuring children can attend school feeling confident and prepared to learn, play, and ultimately succeed. At Mercedes-Benz, we are dedicated to fostering the growth of the next generation and making a positive and lasting impact within our local communities and beyond.”
The Season to Shine program reached a significant milestone this year with the delivery of 1,270 pairs of new athletic shoes to every student at partner schools in Atlanta, specifically Michael R. Hollis Innovation Academy and Leonora P. Miles Intermediate Elementary. The presence of Ludacris, alongside Mercedes-Benz employee volunteers, amplified the event’s positive energy as they distributed shoes and spread holiday cheer among the students. Ludacris shared his enthusiasm, stating, “Supporting the children in my hometown of Atlanta is a cause close to my heart, and it was an honor to join my friends at Mercedes-Benz in giving back through their Season to Shine event. These new shoes are more than just footwear; they represent a step forward for these students, helping them to pursue their dreams and realize their full potential. I am truly grateful to be a part of such a meaningful initiative.”
Mercedes-Benz extended the reach of the Season to Shine program beyond Atlanta by encouraging employees across the country to participate through direct donations to Shoes That Fit. These employee contributions further amplified the impact, ensuring that even more children in local communities nationwide would benefit from receiving new shoes.
Thalise Perry, Principal at Miles Intermediate Elementary School, highlighted the immediate positive impact of the donation: “Starting the holiday season with a brand-new pair of shoes gives our students a tremendous boost in confidence as they continue through the school year. We are deeply thankful to Mercedes-Benz for making this happen and bringing such joy and holiday spirit to our school.”
Shoes That Fit has been dedicated to this crucial cause since 1992, providing over 2 million pairs of brand-new shoes and other necessities to children throughout the United States. Their efforts have yielded remarkable results, with 62% of schools reporting improved student behavior and an impressive 87% noting increased student self-esteem. Amy Fass, CEO and Executive Director of Shoes That Fit, emphasized the profound impact of this initiative: “Shoes are incredibly important in a child’s life. Many families face difficult choices, often having to prioritize rent and food over essential footwear. This can leave children with shoes that are painful, embarrassing, and prevent them from fully participating in physical activities and even attending school regularly. New shoes make a fundamental and lasting difference.” She further added, “We are immensely grateful to Mercedes-Benz for addressing this basic need and making such a significant impact on the lives of these children by donating 1,270 pairs of shoes!”
For those interested in learning more about Mercedes-Benz USA’s community support initiatives, please visit: https://www.mbusa.com/en/about-us#corporate-social-responsibility. Additional information about Shoes That Fit can be found at www.shoesthatfit.org.
About Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Atlanta, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz products in the United States. MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse lineup in the luxury segment with 15 model lines ranging from the sporty GLA SUV to the flagship S-Class and the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series. MBUSA is also responsible for Mercedes-Benz Vans in the U.S. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com and www.mbvans.com.
