Local Movers Give 200 San Antonio Students New Shoes for Confidence and Support
In San Antonio, a remarkable initiative by the team at 3 Men Movers has transformed a simple idea into a significant act of kindness. Instead of spending their day hauling boxes and furniture, the movers dedicated their time to distributing new shoes to 200 local students, aiming to boost their confidence and comfort. This heartwarming endeavor was spearheaded by Gilberto Duran, a longtime crew leader at 3 Men Movers, who personally planned and organized every detail of the shoe drive.
Gilberto's motivation came from his own childhood experience. He remembered receiving a pair of shoes that instilled a sense of pride and confidence in him—a moment that he cherished deeply. "When I was in school, someone gave me a pair of shoes, and that meant a lot to me. It gave me confidence and reminded me that people cared. I've never forgotten that. I wanted to do something similar for kids in our community—to let them know that they're not alone and that they have what it takes to do great things," Gilberto reflected.
Recognizing the importance of support, the team at 3 Men Movers reached out to teachers from 12 elementary schools in the greater San Antonio area, asking them to nominate students who could benefit the most from the initiative. The response was overwhelming. Teachers recognized the opportunity to uplift children facing tough challenges—whether financial difficulties or just needing a boost of encouragement. One teacher shared, "We saw everything from stunned silence to full-on cheering. Some of these kids have only had hand-me-downs; they've never had their own new shoes before. To watch them open those boxes and light up—it was a beautiful moment. They felt proud, and that's not something you can buy—especially when the gift came from someone they've never even met."
What sets this initiative apart is the grassroots effort behind it. Rather than depending on corporate sponsors, the employees of 3 Men Movers actively contributed to the cause, bringing in donations of shoes, funds, and their personal time. The company supported the drive by providing special bags, cards, and space for organizing the shoewear distribution, but the drive was fundamentally led by the crew members themselves. "This wasn't a top-down initiative. This came directly from Gilberto and our crews," stated Teresa Cory, the San Antonio market manager for 3 Men Movers. "We simply supported what they wanted to do and made sure they had the resources to carry it through. That's what makes it so heartfelt and powerful."
In each box of shoes, Gilberto included a note of encouragement for the children, conveying his heartfelt message: "I hope this pair of shoes helps you keep walking toward your goals. If you work hard and believe in yourself, you can achieve anything." This simple yet profound statement resonated deeply with both parents and teachers, many of whom expressed their appreciation for the thoughtful gesture. Parents and teachers praised the meaningful impact this initiative had not only on the children but also on the community as a whole.
3 Men Movers, a company that has been serving Texas communities since 1985, is already known for its commitment to customer service. However, it seems that local teams are increasingly taking steps to extend their compassion into their own neighborhoods. The team's philosophy encapsulates the essence of their work: "Helping people move is our job. But helping people feel seen and supported—that's something we choose to do."
As the school year draws to a close, the 3 Men Movers team hopes that the students walk into summer a little taller in their new shoes—carrying with them the knowledge that someone believes in them. For more information about 3 Men Movers and their ongoing community initiatives, visit their website at 3menmovers.com.
Gilberto's motivation came from his own childhood experience. He remembered receiving a pair of shoes that instilled a sense of pride and confidence in him—a moment that he cherished deeply. "When I was in school, someone gave me a pair of shoes, and that meant a lot to me. It gave me confidence and reminded me that people cared. I've never forgotten that. I wanted to do something similar for kids in our community—to let them know that they're not alone and that they have what it takes to do great things," Gilberto reflected.
Recognizing the importance of support, the team at 3 Men Movers reached out to teachers from 12 elementary schools in the greater San Antonio area, asking them to nominate students who could benefit the most from the initiative. The response was overwhelming. Teachers recognized the opportunity to uplift children facing tough challenges—whether financial difficulties or just needing a boost of encouragement. One teacher shared, "We saw everything from stunned silence to full-on cheering. Some of these kids have only had hand-me-downs; they've never had their own new shoes before. To watch them open those boxes and light up—it was a beautiful moment. They felt proud, and that's not something you can buy—especially when the gift came from someone they've never even met."
What sets this initiative apart is the grassroots effort behind it. Rather than depending on corporate sponsors, the employees of 3 Men Movers actively contributed to the cause, bringing in donations of shoes, funds, and their personal time. The company supported the drive by providing special bags, cards, and space for organizing the shoewear distribution, but the drive was fundamentally led by the crew members themselves. "This wasn't a top-down initiative. This came directly from Gilberto and our crews," stated Teresa Cory, the San Antonio market manager for 3 Men Movers. "We simply supported what they wanted to do and made sure they had the resources to carry it through. That's what makes it so heartfelt and powerful."
In each box of shoes, Gilberto included a note of encouragement for the children, conveying his heartfelt message: "I hope this pair of shoes helps you keep walking toward your goals. If you work hard and believe in yourself, you can achieve anything." This simple yet profound statement resonated deeply with both parents and teachers, many of whom expressed their appreciation for the thoughtful gesture. Parents and teachers praised the meaningful impact this initiative had not only on the children but also on the community as a whole.
3 Men Movers, a company that has been serving Texas communities since 1985, is already known for its commitment to customer service. However, it seems that local teams are increasingly taking steps to extend their compassion into their own neighborhoods. The team's philosophy encapsulates the essence of their work: "Helping people move is our job. But helping people feel seen and supported—that's something we choose to do."
As the school year draws to a close, the 3 Men Movers team hopes that the students walk into summer a little taller in their new shoes—carrying with them the knowledge that someone believes in them. For more information about 3 Men Movers and their ongoing community initiatives, visit their website at 3menmovers.com.
Topics People & Culture）
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