Mountain America Donates Shoes to Local Preschoolers and $10,000 to Operation Warm

In partnership with Operation Warm, Mountain America Credit Union donated a pair of shoes and socks to every preschooler attending the Head Start and Early Intervention programs in the Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 on May 4-6, 2021. In Pocatello, 18.5% of residents live in poverty, which is well above the national average of 10.5%. Operation Warm’s Warm Soles program provides confidence and hope to children in need through the gift of brand-new shoes. The donation is just in time for summer break, giving children a brand-new pair of shoes to enjoy during the summer break. 

“We see so many kids who have never had brand-new shoes of their own,” says Michael Andrews, Operation Warm manager of partnerships for the Intermountain West. “The kids we help aren’t just getting a pair of shoes. They are walking away with a gift of confidence and hope, knowing we care and want the best for them.”

As a proud sponsor of Idaho State Athletics, Mountain America committed to donating to a charity for every three-pointer and first-down completed by the Idaho State men’s basketball and football teams, respectively, during the past three seasons. This season, Mountain America selected Operation Warm as the recipient of its three-point and first down charitable programs. On May 4, 2021, Mountain America presented a check for $10,000 to Operation Warm for the 2021 football season, funding the shoe drive for Pocatello Head Start and Early Intervention programs. 

“Mountain America is pleased to support Operation Warm in providing shoes and socks for preschoolers in Pocatello,” says Sterling Nielsen, president and chief executive officer at Mountain America Credit Union. “We hope these shoes help them enjoy a summer of adventures, staying healthy and active. Operation Warm is an amazing organization making a difference in so many children’s lives.”