Crocs to donate 30,000 pairs of shoes to the BVSD community

In the wake of the recent wildfire, everyone in our community is looking for ways to support each other. We’re excited to share that Crocs, the Broomfield-based maker of innovative casual footwear, has committed to providing a new pair of Crocs shoes to every student, educator and staff member within the Boulder Valley School District. While we know it’s a long road to recovery, we hope this simple gesture provides a sense of comfort.

The impact of the Marshall Fire throughout the BVSD community

Many of us were evacuated or under pre-evacuation orders for the Marshall Fire, with 2,400 students and almost 200 staff members from the the Boulder Valley School District living within the burn area boundary. Over 500 students and 40 staff members lost their homes, and over 800 students and 50 staff members are currently displaced because of the fire. 

“As with every tragedy our community has endured, we immediately heard from people who wanted to help students, schools and staff,” said Allison Billings, Executive Director at Impact on Education. This outpouring of support is what makes the BVSD community so special. The needs of our displaced family, friends and colleagues are continuing to emerge and it’s difficult to imagine how a community recovers from devastation like this. It’s gestures like these that remind people they’re not going through it alone.”

Impact on Education has now raised over $600,000 through our Critical Needs Fund and we’re working closely with BVSD to support the immediate needs, long-term recovery, and mental health of all BVSD students and staff. 

Crocs is a local company making a huge impact

Crocs has called Colorado home since its founding in 2002 and more than 450 team members work out of their Broomfield headquarters.

“Like so many, we were heartbroken to witness the devastating wildfires that will forever impact the lives of our neighbors, friends and colleagues in Boulder County,” said Shannon Sisler, SVP & Chief People Officer at Crocs. “Over the past few weeks, we’ve received countless requests for Crocs shoes and are committed, through our partnership with Impact on Education, to provide a sense of comfort during this difficult time to the students, faculty and staff of the Boulder Valley School District. While the path to recovery is still unclear for many, we hope this donation will supply simple comforts as our community rebuilds.” 

The generous donation has the potential to impact over 30,000 people throughout the district. The gesture stems from Crocs Cares, the brand’s global philanthropic arm, which is dedicated to providing comfort when and where it’s needed most.

How the Crocs will be distributed

Impact on Education is working with school principals and their PTO/PTA organizations to create a roll-out plan for delivering shoes directly to students and staff. Crocs’ mobile truck will visit each school – beginning with those hardest hit by wildfire – potentially as early as next week, and will continue making stops at area schools over the coming weeks. Students and staff will get to choose from donated products from the brand’s Classic Collection.

The road to recovery

Our partnership with Crocs is one way we’re looking to support all students and staff during a difficult time. We’re also working to provide cash assistance to staff and gift cards to students most in need of support, and will soon be delivering “comfort kits” with letters of support from students and community members, art supplies, journals and other age-appropriate items for these students and educators. 

Looking ahead, we’re working closely with BVSD to fund additional mental health resources for the BVSD community to support the recovery of our students, staff, and their families.