Local McDonald’s Owner/Operators from the Mendez Organizations partnered with the Golden State Foods Foundation (GSFF) to deliver more than 1,000 brand-new athletic shoes to at-risk children and youth across Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana during events held mid-March. This marked the tenth consecutive year of the Best Foot Forward program, bringing the total number of shoes distributed to more than 8,000 pairs. The shoes were distributed through four dedicated community partners: Casa Central, Erie Elementary Charter School, Erie Neighborhood House, and Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council. In addition to providing essential footwear for physical activity and healthy development, the donation sparked joy, built confidence, and encouraged children to fully participate in school, sports, and daily life. This is an effort to motivate children to go to school and exercise.  Sometimes kids even skip school because they don’t have appropriate shoes. “We were incredibly proud of this milestone tenth year,” said Owner/Operator Jose Gutierrez, President of MHOA. “This program means so much to our communities, and MHOA is glad to support the Mendez Group and GSFF in making it happen.”

Photo Credit: McDonald’s Hispanic Owner Operators Association