It all began with a small gift inside a shoe box.

The Shoebox Society

More than 35 years ago, then VPS Superintendent Dr. Jim Parsley learned of a student who didn’t have access to an adequate pair of shoes for walking to school each day. On his own, Dr. Parsley purchased a pair of shoes for the student. This small act of compassion inspired fellow teachers and educators around him to want to contribute in similar ways.
 
What began as a single act of kindness quickly became a building block to something bigger, and soon, a foundation was created that would blossom into decades of incredible work. Over the years, it has touched the lives of thousands of students and their families – providing basic needs, mental health support, enriching experiences, engagement opportunities, and so much more.
 
Essentially, your support offers hope, belonging, and pathways toward a brighter future.
 
We invite you to walk in the footsteps of those who have made a difference by being a part of our recurring giving program. Shape the journey ahead and become a member of the Shoe Box Society today!
 

Choose your level of giving below. Are you a Sneakerhead, Enthusiast, Shoe Hound, Casual Collector, or Sole Mate? 

  • Sneakerhead = $84 a month, or $1000 a year
  • Enthusiast = $42 a month, or $500 a year
  • Shoe Hound = $21 a month, or $250 a year
  • Casual Collector = $11 a month, or $125 a year
  • Solemate = $5 a month, or $60 a year


Once you sign up to be a Shoe Box Society Member you will receive an exclusive crest sticker and thank you card with a special message from Dr. Jim Parsley.

All money received from Shoe Box Society Members will go towards our general fund.

What is recurrent giving?

Our lives are busy – anything you can “set and forget” helps free up time for other things. A recurring donation is where you initiate the donation one time, and schedule it to recur at regular intervals (monthly, quarterly, yearly). You are issued one tax receipt at the end of the year for ease of record-keeping. 

You can initiate your donation three ways:

  • Credit/debit card using our secure giving platform.
  • Donor-advised fund (DAF) accounts are like a charitable savings account. Through your DAF you can recommend a grant to the Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools.
  • Many employers offer workplace giving programs, including matching gift programs that can double—or even triple—the impact of your donation. Check with your employer to see whether they offer charitable giving, payroll deduction, or donation matching opportunities through their workplace giving program.


This simple action communicates your dedication to students all year round!

Why choose recurrent giving?

Recurring gifts offer a nonprofit increased stability and predictability. It helps us plan more efficiently and focus more on implementing programming than on pursuing new funders. Best of all, it deepens our relationship to the donor and allows us to stay more connected. Join the Shoebox Society today!