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ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - Hundreds of Albany students will step into the holidays with confidence thanks to the H.E.A.R.T. Organization, Inc. The nonprofit announced it will distribute 400 brand-new pairs of athletic shoes as part of its annual “Shoes from the HEART” campaign.

The donation will be shared among five elementary schools identified as having the greatest need:

• Radium Springs Elementary
• Robert Harvey Elementary
• Turner Elementary
• Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary
• North Side Elementary

Organizers say the goal is simple, give every child the chance to feel confident and fully participate in school. Leaders with H.E.A.R.T. say properly fitting, quality shoes can significantly boost a student’s self-esteem, improve attendance, and encourage better classroom behavior. They also ensure students can safely and comfortably enjoy P.E. classes and after-school sports like basketball, soccer, and cheerleading.

The distribution event will take place on Wednesday, December 17 at 9 a.m. at Radium Springs Elementary School located at 2400 Roxanna Road. Members of the media are invited to attend to capture the moment and help publicly thank the donors, organizations, churches, and individuals who contributed through the 2025 City-wide Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. program.

H.E.A.R.T. leaders say continued community support is essential to reaching every elementary-age student in Albany and Dougherty County. Those wishing to help can donate in several ways:

• Mail: Checks or money orders payable to H.E.A.R.T. Organization, Inc., P.O. Box 4433, Albany, GA 31706
• CashApp: $heartcaresga
• Website: Donations via PayPal at heartcares2.com

“Your financial contribution will help make a child more confident,” the organization said.

H.E.A.R.T. (Hands Extended Across Reaching Together) is a local nonprofit dedicated to helping children build self-confidence, improve school engagement, and stay active through meaningful community support programs.

For more information, visit heartcares2.com.

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