Donations help 200 United Boys & Girls club kids pick up Deckers Brand footwear with Magoo’s shoes

GOLETA, Calif. - Slipping out of their current shoes and sliding into a brand new pair of shoes from a Deckers display wall, put smiles on the faces of 200 Santa Barbara County kids Monday.

They were all chosen through the United Boys & Girls club of Santa Barbara County and come from Lompoc to Carpinteria to participate in the charity called Magoo's Shoes. Deckers drops the price by 50 percent and donations cover the rest of the cost.

United Boys & Girls Club CEO Michael Baker said, "they are footing the whole bill, literally footing the bill."

This year 200 kids with financial needs, were able to pick out shoes.
"They were picked by the club directors. They were the highest deserving and the most in need," said Baker.

For one of the shoppers, it was a trip she could never go on.
"I thought I wasn't going to be able to come.," said Ariana Martinez.  "I know my mom wouldn't be able to pay that much, but it's free."

Simon Dixon is with IdeaEngineering.com and heads up the Magoo's Shoes non-profit which began more than 10 years ago at Washington Elementary school and has now expanded to the Boys & Girls Club.

"For a lot of the families that come here, the Deckers Brand showcase is like Disneyland. Not everyone can come here.  The rule of Magoo's shoes - any pair in store," said Dixon.

That included Hoka, UGG, Teva,  Sanuk and Deckers Xlab footwear.

Some shoes were in stock and others will be ordered and delivered to their clubs.

The Deckers staff from area stores including in Ventura were on hand to help the kids. "If they're  runners  or just looking for some cool shoes and then kind of guide them to each area to see what's available," said store manager Travis Jones.

A Goleta club member Julian Macias said his Hoka shoes made him taller.

Jones said, "obviously with autumn-winter coming we have some funky colors, we're  coming out with some bright colors and most of them are drawn to them so that's great!"

Baker said some of the shoes may be passed along to a relative in the months ahead. "This is something  that's a gift not only for the child that's getting it right now but a younger brother or sister a year down the road."

Sponsors included public donations and corporate contributions from CenCal Health, American Riviera Bank and Montecito Bank and Trust.

For more information go to : Magoo's Shoes