Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) put its best foot forward this holiday season, not on the gas pedal, but in the lives of children across the nation. Through their annual Season to Shine initiative, MBUSA partnered with the renowned nonprofit organization Shoes That Fit to donate brand new athletic shoes to students in need. This heartwarming program underscores Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to driving positive change, ensuring kids have the essential footwear they need to attend school with dignity, joy, and confidence – stepping out in style with what could be considered, in spirit, Mercedes-Benz shoes.
Season to Shine is a cornerstone of MBUSA’s broader corporate social responsibility program, Driving Your Future. This initiative is strategically designed to empower the next generation through crucial support for educational programs, career readiness initiatives, and child safety advancements. By focusing on these key pillars, Mercedes-Benz aims to make a lasting impact on communities and cultivate a brighter future for young people.
“Donating these sneakers to students nationwide is a significant step in our commitment to ensuring children feel confident and prepared to learn, play, and ultimately succeed,” stated Dimitris Psillakis, president and CEO of MBUSA. “We believe that providing Mercedes-Benz shoes in this context – quality footwear through our charitable program – is a tangible way to help the next generation thrive and contribute meaningfully to their local communities and beyond.”
This year’s Season to Shine program reached a significant milestone in Atlanta, where MBUSA delivered 1,270 pairs of new shoes to every student at their partner schools: Michael R. Hollis Innovation Academy and Leonora P. Miles Intermediate Elementary. Adding star power to the event was brand ambassador and Atlanta native, the acclaimed artist Ludacris. He joined MBUSA employee volunteers to personally deliver the donated Mercedes-Benz shoes and spread holiday cheer among the excited students.
“Supporting the kids in my hometown of Atlanta is something I’m deeply passionate about, and it was an honor to collaborate with Mercedes-Benz for their Season to Shine event,” shared Ludacris. “These new shoes are more than just footwear; they’re a stepping stone, providing these students with the confidence to chase their dreams and unlock their full potential. I am proud to play a part in this impactful initiative, delivering what are essentially Mercedes-Benz shoes in terms of the positive impact they represent.”
Beyond the Atlanta event, MBUSA extended the Season to Shine program nationwide, encouraging employees across the country to participate by donating new shoes directly to Shoes That Fit. These contributions will be distributed to children in local communities throughout the nation, amplifying the program’s reach and impact far beyond Atlanta.
Thalise Perry, Principal at Miles Intermediate Elementary School, emphasized the profound effect of this donation: “Starting the holiday season with a brand-new pair of shoes gives our students a vital boost of confidence as they continue through the school year. We are immensely thankful to Mercedes-Benz for their generosity in making this happen and bringing such joy to our school. This donation of Mercedes-Benz shoes – in effect, a gift of quality and care – truly makes a difference.”
Shoes That Fit has been dedicated to this cause since 1992, providing over 2 million pairs of brand-new shoes and other essential items to children across the United States. Their consistent efforts have yielded impressive results, with schools reporting a 62% improvement in student behavior and an 87% increase in students’ self-esteem.
“Shoes are fundamental to a child’s well-being. Too many families face difficult choices, often having to prioritize rent and food over adequate footwear. This can leave children with shoes that are painful, embarrassing, and prevent them from fully participating in physical activities and even attending school regularly. New shoes provide a basic yet transformative impact,” explained Amy Fass, CEO and Executive Director of Shoes That Fit. “We are deeply grateful to Mercedes-Benz for addressing this fundamental need and making a lasting difference in the lives of so many children by donating 1,270 pairs of shoes – essentially providing 1,270 opportunities to step forward with confidence in their own Mercedes-Benz shoes moment.”
For further information on Mercedes-Benz USA’s community support initiatives, please visit: https://www.mbusa.com/en/about-us#corporate-social-responsibility. To learn more about Shoes That Fit and their impactful work, please visit www.shoesthatfit.org.
About Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Atlanta, is responsible for the distribution, marketing, and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz products across the United States. MBUSA boasts the most diverse luxury vehicle lineup, featuring 15 model lines, from the sporty GLA SUV to the flagship S-Class and the high-performance Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series. MBUSA also manages Mercedes-Benz Vans in the U.S. For more in-depth information about MBUSA and their extensive product range, please visit www.mbusa.com and www.mbvans.com.
