NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Norfolk School Board member Alfreda Thomas hosted her third-annual shoe giveaway event Thursday night, providing new or gently used footwear to 175 families.
However, high demand left 65 families empty-handed after inventory ran out.
The giveaway highlights growing financial pressure on local families ahead of the school year. According to the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America, tariffs on select children’s footwear can reach nearly 50%, driving retail prices for single pairs up to between $30 and $75…