Turning Points & Conley Subaru Provide Hundreds of Shoes to Palmetto Elementary Students
Turning Points, in partnership with Conley Subaru, recently visited Palmetto Elementary School to participate in a special shoe giveaway as part of Operation Warm and Subaru Loves To Help, providing hundreds of brand-new pairs of sneakers to local students. The event was designed to ensure students have the essential footwear they need to feel comfortable and confident.
During the event, Turning Points staff and Conley Subaru representatives had the opportunity to connect with 4th- and 5th-grade students, offering encouragement and support as each child selected and received a brand-new pair of shoes. For many families, access to quality footwear can be a challenge, and this initiative helped ease that burden while reinforcing a message of care and community.
“This event was about more than shoes—it was about showing students they are seen, supported, and valued,” said Kathleen Cramer, Executive Director of Turning Points. “We are incredibly grateful to Conley Subaru for their continued partnership and for investing in the well-being and success of our community’s youth.”
The shoe giveaway also highlighted Connected Manatee, Turning Points’ new school-based pilot program developed in collaboration with the School District of Manatee County. This pilot has recently launched with a focus on supporting families at Palmetto Elementary School and Lincoln Memorial Middle School. Through Connected Manatee, Turning Points meets families where they are, connecting them to essential resources, reducing barriers to support, and helping students and their families achieve stability.
Turning Points also extends sincere thanks to Manatee County Explore and Play for providing shopping bags for students to carry their new shoes home, adding an extra touch of care to the event.
Through partnerships like these, Turning Points continues its mission to eliminate barriers and create pathways to stability for neighbors across Manatee County, ensuring that children and families have the resources they need to thrive.
About Turning Points: Last year, over 9,000 individuals benefited from programs at Turning Points, including Community Resource Navigation, which helps individuals and families navigate crises and access essential resources; Rental and Utility Assistance, a vital tool in preventing housing instability; Free Medical and Dental Care, which supports uninsured Manatee County residents in maintaining their health; Day Resource Services, offering hot showers, laundry, clothing, and other essential basic needs; and Veterans’ Services, providing comprehensive housing solutions and wraparound support for those who served our nation. Visit tpmanatee.org to learn more.
