Upside Academy Shoes Giveaway | Bakersfield News

Twenty-five local families walked away with brand-new shoes thanks to The Upside Academy’s second annual back-to-school giveaway, held at Macy’s in Valley Plaza Mall — a heartfelt gesture easing financial strain and boosting kids’ confidence as they head into the new school year. Founder NaTesha Johnson emphasized paying it forward, selecting families in need through a random draw, while grateful parents shared how this simple act of kindness made a huge difference amid rising costs. This isn’t just another event — it’s a powerful reminder of what happens when a community comes together to invest in its neighbors, one pair of shoes at a time. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/14fe292996f93f16