Local dealership brings national Subaru Loves to Help® initiative to Escambia and Santa Rosa counties—
For too many children in our community, something as basic as a sturdy pair of shoes is a luxury their families can’t afford. On Saturday, Feb. 21, Anderson Subaru and the United Way of West Florida partner to host a free shoe giveaway for local kids at My Father’s Vineyard on Pensacola Boulevard.
A National Mission with a Local Heart
The event is part of Subaru’s national Loves to Help® initiative, a partnership with the nonprofit Operation Warm that aims to distribute new shoes, socks, and coats to more than 140,000 children across the country this season. Anderson Subaru brings that mission home to Northwest Florida, focusing on children in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties who need the help most.
Each child who attends will receive a brand-new pair of shoes and socks — no strings attached, no cost to the family.
- “A new pair of shoes is more than just footwear; it’s about dignity, comfort, and the ability for a child to move through the world with confidence,” said Billy Anderson, owner of Anderson Subaru. “We are honored to work with the United Way and Operation Warm to support our neighbors here in Pensacola.”
Why Shoes Matter
It’s easy to take a good pair of shoes for granted. But for millions of American children, worn-out or ill-fitting footwear isn’t just uncomfortable — it’s a barrier. Kids without proper shoes are less likely to participate in physical activities, more likely to miss school, and often carry the emotional weight of standing out for the wrong reasons.
Operation Warm has built its mission around that reality. The organization doesn’t distribute used goods. Every item is brand new, because the group’s founders understood early on that a new pair of shoes can shift how a child sees themselves. That small act of investment tells a kid: you matter.
Pensacola’s Subaru Dealer Continues Giving Back
Anderson Subaru has been a fixture in the Pensacola community for years, earning the prestigious Subaru Stellar Care Award every year since 2014 — a recognition reserved for dealerships that go above and beyond in customer service and community engagement. Events like Saturday’s giveaway reflect the dealership’s commitment to living out those values beyond the showroom floor.
- The partnership with United Way of West Florida adds another layer of local impact. United Way’s deep roots in the community help ensure the giveaway reaches the families who need it most.
Here’s What You Need to Know
The giveaway takes place Saturday, Feb. 21, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at My Father’s Vineyard, 7895 Pensacola Blvd.
- Shoes and socks will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last, so families are encouraged to arrive early.
- No registration is required. Just show up with your kids and let the community take care of the rest.
Reminder: Making a difference sometimes only takes a local business, a nonprofit partner, and a willingness to look out for the kids in our own backyard. Anderson Subaru and United Way set the example — one pair of shoes at a time.
