Shoes 2026!
We are already halfway through summer. Stores are starting their back-to-school campaigns, and schools are sending out their supply lists.
My daughter keeps saying, “Don’t talk about school—it’s still summer!”
Ahhh, I get it!
Jennifer and I spent time praying about the shoe program and this year’s event. Should we do it again? Should it grow into something else? Are we too focused on providing transactional, tangible “things” and not focused enough on evangelism?
We landed on: DO IT!
Not only because there are families in need, but because there are families who need to see the love of Jesus.
As believers, we talk about the love of Jesus often. Sometimes we even show it—when it is convenient. But Jesus did not command us to love our neighbors only when it is easy.
We are holding our second Back-to-School New Shoe Giveaway because Jesus loves us and commands us to love our neighbors.
Raising $10,000 to give away is not easy.
But God.
When He calls us to something, He is faithful to provide what is needed to accomplish it.
What Do You Need to Give to God?
Is there an area of your life that you need to surrender to God?
Is there a sin, struggle, bitterness, anger or trial that feels too big and too heavy to carry and bringing you down?
If your darkest actions were brought into the light, would they bring you shame?
God already knows, and He is not asking you to hide from Him. Cry out to Him. Confess it. Bring it into the light. Trust Jesus to meet you with truth, mercy, forgiveness, and peace.
Jesus may not immediately remove every consequence or difficult circumstance, but He promises to be with us. He invites the weary and burdened to come to Him and find rest. Abide in me, and I’ll abide in you, Jesus says.
We want to walk beside you in that journey. Call us. Email us. Find us around town, and let’s learn how to live life together with Jesus.
Maybe raising money for new children’s shoes does not seem comparable to battling a drug addiction, hiding an affair, or stealing money from your employer. But God sees every part of our lives—big and small.
Scripture says:
“So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.”
—James 4:17 ESV
Ignoring what God is asking me to do is also a matter of obedience. Maybe our struggles are more connected than we realize.
We need Jesus in every moment.
Call me if you need to vent, pray, confess, or simply talk. Let’s bring it before God together.
Jesse Wilson
920-212-6053
“God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.”
—Psalm 46:1
2026 Back-to-School New Shoe Giveaway
REGISTRATION IS OPEN
〰️
5K-12th Grade students
〰️
REGISTRATION IS OPEN 〰️ 5K-12th Grade students 〰️
This year’s shoe event is shaping up to be twice as bold as last year!
Event Details
Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
Time: 10:30 AM–4:30 PM
Families will register for one of three time windows:
Morning: 10:30 AM–12:30 PM
Afternoon: 12:30–2:30 PM
Late Afternoon: 2:30–4:30 PM
Location:
Shoe Sensation
Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
What Will Be Available?
Everything is free!
New shoes
Socks
Free haircuts throughout the day
Face painting from 2:00–4:00 PM
Bibles and devotionals
Culver’s custard coupons
Snacks
Free entries into raffles for bicycles and backpacks
Additional giveaways and community resources
Why Are We Doing This?
To bless families experiencing financial hardship, share the love of Jesus, and unite believers in serving our community.
Who Is the Event For?
Families experiencing financial hardship in Dodge County and the surrounding area with children entering 5K through 12th grade.
Registration
Registration is required.
Register at:
missionbd.org/shoes26
Volunteer
Interested in serving at the event with us?
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054EADAC2AA4FDC61-64858460-shoes
Help Us Continue Serving Families
We need your last-minute and year-round donations so we can continue blessing families throughout Beaver Dam and the surrounding community.
100% of donations go directly into our programs.
We do not currently have a building, so our overhead is extremely low.
Our entire team is made up of volunteers—and yes, we all have day jobs too!
Donate to the Back-to-School New Shoe Giveaway and our year-round shoe and winter boot program:
You can also support Beaver Dam Mission Center by rounding up your eligible online Walmart purchases:
https://www.walmart.com/nonprofits/
KIDS BIBLES
We are low on kids bibles/kids devotionals for this event. Help us make sure every student has a bible in their hand. You can purchase age-appropriate Bibles with study notes for gender and age and they will ship right to our PO Box!
Amazon Supply List: https://a.co/0b2Tvol6
Ministry Update
Financial Transparency
Beaver Dam Mission Center is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Although we do not currently meet the threshold requiring full public financial disclosures, we believe it is important to share how donations are being used.
We want to be good stewards of every dollar entrusted to us and remain transparent with those who generously support this ministry.
January–July 2026
Income
Crisis Support: $9,600
Shoe Program and Back-to-School Shoe Event: $10,500
Total Income: $20,100
Expenses
Administrative Expenses: $1,500
Bibles: $400
Crisis Support: $9,400
This includes $7,700 in emergency hotel stays.
Shoe Program: $0
This year’s ongoing shoe program needs have been covered using shoe gift cards purchased with funds raised last year.
Total Expenses: $11,300
Remaining funds are held for upcoming program expenses, including the 2026 Back-to-School New Shoe Giveaway and future crisis-support needs.
Thank You
Thank you for your prayers. I feel them.
Thank you for your donations. God continues to bless this mission with donors who understand what we are trying to accomplish. But even without donors, we would still find a way to serve, love, and share Jesus.
Most importantly, thank You, Jesus, for Your love, Your sacrifice on the cross, and the freedom from sin and death that You give us.
Let’s love like Jesus.
I want to hear from you!!!
Blog writing for me is great because i have lots to say, and im learning to say less. when needed. But i dont get to hear from you… Id love to hear your story.
Are you going through a trial right now?
Have you seen God do some amazing things lately?
Tell me about what God is teaching you in your quiet prayer time.
Id love to hear your testimony of when/how you surrendered to God.
Do you have a prayer request
Need to just vent?
OR just say hi and give me some encouragement!
This can be completely anonymous.
Send us a private message below!!
