The Christmas season is often filled with meaningful gifts, and in Richmond County, the “New Shoes for Christmas” program has been a simple but meaningful way to change lives for nearly 40 years.
What began in 1987 as a mission by Dr. John Stevenson, his wife, and the Pairs & Spares class at First Presbyterian Church in Rockingham has grown into a beloved community tradition. The goal was simple but powerful: to provide new school shoes for elementary students who desperately needed them.
While hand-me-down coats and clothing could suffice, teachers and counselors saw firsthand that worn-out shoes were rarely suitable for school. They shared stories of the physical and emotional toll this took on children — and the community responded. Stevenson, a former FirstHealth physician and longtime member of the system’s volunteer boards and Strategic Planning Committee, has helped lead the charge to help children for four decades.
From those early days serving 400 students, the program now provides shoes for 800+ children in grades K–5 each December. Over the years, more than 27,000 students have received new shoes thanks to this effort. December 2025 marks the 39th season of giving.
The success of New Shoes for Christmas is built on partnerships. Richmond County Schools identifies the children most in need, and The Shoe Dept in Rockingham closes its doors for two weeks before the Christmas break to welcome busloads of students for a special “shopping trip.”
With the help of store staff and school personnel, each child selects a pair of sturdy athletic shoes that fit well and feel great. While some students are being fitted, others write thank-you notes and create holiday cards, adding joy to the experience.
This program is more than shoes. It’s about dignity, confidence and members of the community giving back, Stevenson says. For many families, this annual gift is a blessing they depend on. And for those who support the program — church members, civic groups, businesses, and individuals — it’s a chance to make a tangible difference in a child’s life.
The work of Dr. Stevenson and many others through the years have made the effort possible. Their commitment reminds us that when a community comes together, incredible things happen. Thank you, Dr. Stevenson, and thank you to everyone who has supported this mission for nearly four decades.
The New Shoes for Christmas Fund is a charitable 501(c)(3) organization. Tax-deductible donations can be made to First Presbyterian Church, 904 Fayetteville Road, Rockingham, NC 28379. Every dollar goes directly to purchasing shoes, with no administrative costs—a promise kept since day one.
