Dallas police made hundreds of children happy with new shoes on their first day of school.
Instead of coming into local neighborhoods for calls on crime, the Northwest Division Neighborhood Police Officer Unit came to help children who lacked adequate shoes just in time for school.
“Over the years, many of these kids have gotten to know and recognize us through this initiative. It’s about creating positive relationships with police officers and learning that we are here to help,” Cpl. Jose Gamez told NBCDFW.
Energy Transfer and Sunoco LP were two companies that contributed to the initiative’s success. They contributed to the collection of shoes for more than 520 children, many of whom are children with whom the police have had contact over the years.
“When we’re out on patrol, we often run into families in difficult financial situations, and we want to be able to help. Partnering up with Energy Transfer over the past six years with the ‘Share the Shoes’ campaign has helped thousands of families relieve some of that financial stress,” says Cpl. Gamez.
After noticing in 2017 that several children in areas where the officers patrolled did not have proper footwear, the division decided to come together for “Share the Shoes,” a program led by Officer Brian Nolff.
The donation totaled more than $10,000.
“It’s very meaningful to hear the first-hand stories from these officers who witness the disparities that exist in our Dallas neighborhoods and are inspired to make a difference,” Chris Curia, Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer, Energy Transfer, said.
The Northwest Patrol Division covers 50 square miles of Dallas. There are more than 75 hotels and motels in the area and the World Trade Center, Market Center, Design District, Infomart, Asian Trade District, and two thriving entertainment districts.