In the heart of Amarillo, amidst the September General Membership Meeting (GMM) of the Junior League of Amarillo (JLA), a heartwarming initiative took shape. JLA members rallied to donate 12 pairs of shoes to the Mission Amarillo Shoe Closet.

JLA members were invited to contribute either new or gently worn shoes during the GMM, illustrating the power of collective action. However, it wasn’t just at the meeting that this generous spirit was on display.

First-year active JLA member, Dayna Birkenfeld, extended her support by opening her home as a drop-off point for the donated shoes and exemplifies how supportive and willing members are to see a need and without hesitation offer to fill it.

What truly makes this story remarkable is the impact it has on the lives of students in Amarillo, Bushland, Canyon, Highland Park, and Rover Road Independent School Districts. Mission Amarillo’s shoe closet, the recipient of these donations, provides free athletic shoes to these young minds, ensuring they have the essential tools to lead active lives.

In the 2022-23 school year alone, Mission Amarillo distributed a staggering 1,473 pairs of shoes. Since its inception in 2010, this remarkable initiative has given away a grand total of 14,736 pairs of shoes.

In the heartfelt words of Dayna Birkenfeld, “Mission Amarillo trains, equips, and provides to our community. In the Junior League, we seek to serve and learn to lead. By contributing to Mission Amarillo Shoe Closet, Junior League is truly able to help equip students to succeed. By providing new shoes, we give them a foundation to have a great day – every day! Every child deserves that kind of foundation.”