INDIANAPOLIS, IN (June 25, 2025) – Lucas Oil, the world leader and distributor of high-performance automotive additives and lubricants, is delighted to announce the installation of a children’s shoe bank within Wheeler Mission’s Center for Women & Children, powered by Lucas Oil and presented by New Shoe Day. This shoe bank will allow children arriving at the shelter to select brand new, name brand shoes.
Lucas Oil is honored to have contributed funds to stock the shoe bank with approximately 150 pairs of shoes, for ages ranging from toddlers to teens 18 years of age, and will continue their commitment by donating quarterly in order to maintain ample inventory for ongoing needs. This partnership between Lucas Oil and New Shoe Day will make a lasting impact on Wheeler Mission’s youth by empowering them to take steps toward a brighter future.
“We are thrilled that we can help provide the children entering Wheeler Mission’s Center for Women & Children with high-quality, well-fitting shoes from beloved brands,” says Katie Lucas, President of Lucas Oil. “Many of these families arrive with nothing but the clothes on their backs, and while proper footwear is essential for a child’s health, confidence and mobility, it is often overlooked in times of crisis. To be able to improve the lives of children and families in our community is incredibly important to us and we are proud to provide these resources to those in need.”
“At New Shoe Day, our mission is to tackle shoe insecurity among Indiana youth, and this partnership with Lucas Oil and Wheeler Mission is a powerful example of what’s possible when community leaders come together with a shared purpose,” says Casey Crouse, New Shoe Day Co-Founder. “As the state’s only established Shoe Bank capable of serving at scale, we’re proud to provide a consistent, dignified solution for children and families in crisis. We’re especially grateful to Lucas Oil for their generous support and belief in this vision, which made it possible to bring this resource to life and deliver meaningful impact for Wheeler Mission and the families they serve.”
“With more than 1,700 individuals experiencing homelessness in our community on any given night, it takes a united community effort to ensure they are treated with dignity and respect,” says Brian Crispin, Wheeler Mission Chief Marketing & Communications Officer. “Collaborative partnerships like the Shoe Bank are powerful examples of what can be accomplished when creative and generous organizations come together to care for our neighbors. We are grateful for Lucas Oil, New Shoe Day, and all the meaningful work being accomplished through this incredible program.”
A dedication will be held on June 30. To learn more about Wheeler Mission’s Center for Women & Children, please visit https://wheelermission.org/, and to learn more about New Shoe Day, please visit https://www.newshoeday.org/.
