• MBUSA hosted a “Holiday Love Celebration” with the nonprofit Shoes That Fit, donating shoes to students in an Atlanta school gym transformed into a winter wonderland.
• MBUSA brand ambassador Grady Jarrett from the Atlanta Falcons surprised students at Michael R. Hollis Innovation Academy in Atlanta to celebrate the holidays and deliver new shoes.
• “Holiday Love Celebration” is part of MBUSA’s corporate social responsibility mission, Driving Your Future, which aims to empower the next generation.

Yesterday, Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) teamed up with Atlanta Falcons star and brand ambassador Grady Jarrett to hand out brand new shoes to students at Michael R. Hollis Innovation Academy in Atlanta. The day-long event was part of MBUSA’s “Holiday Love Celebration” giveback with Shoes That Fit – a nonprofit organization that gives children new athletic shoes, so they are better equipped to attend school with dignity and joy.

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Mercedes-Benz USA employees deliver shoes and bring holiday cheer to students at partner school Michael R. Hollis Innovation Academy in Atlanta. (Photo: Business Wire)

The giveback program, which is part of MBUSA's national corporate social responsibility mission, Driving Your Future, captures the essence of the holiday season and demonstrates the brand's commitment to empower the next generation.

“In the spirit of giving, Mercedes-Benz is proud to continue our work with ‘Shoes That Fit’ to ensure every child walks confidently into a brighter future. We believe in empowering young minds to nurture their success, and we’re thrilled to be able to fulfill that commitment this holiday season.”

Dimitris Psillakis, President and CEO of MBUSA

In support of this year’s “Holiday Love Celebration,” Jarrett helped MBUSA employee volunteers deliver shoes and bring holiday cheer to students at MBUSA partner school Michael R. Hollis Innovation Academy. Freddie the Falcon and the Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders were also in attendance. The winter wonderland themed celebration featured a photo booth display, tasty holiday cookies, live DJ, snow machine and more. MBUSA will also deliver new shoes to every attending student at Atlanta-based Leonora P. Miles Intermediate Elementary and Jacksonville-based Windy Hill Elementary School.

“Bringing joy to these students during the holidays is a privilege, and I'm thrilled to have had the opportunity to work with Mercedes-Benz and organizations like Shoes That Fit to make a difference in these kids’ lives. Atlanta is not just where I play, it's my home and I can’t wait to see the amazing things they accomplish for this community.”

Grady Jarrett, Atlanta Falcons Defensive Tackle and MBUSA Brand Ambassador

“Celebrating the holidays with brand-new shoes gives our students the confidence to continue being their best selves. We are so proud of our students and the hard work they bring to the table each day. We extend our utmost gratitude to Mercedes-Benz and Shoes That Fit for making this possible and for spreading holiday cheer throughout our school.”

Dr. Tiffany Brown, Principal at Michael R. Hollis Innovation Academy

Since its founding in 1992, Shoes That Fit has provided over two million pairs of brand-new shoes and other necessities to children across the United States. As a result of their long-standing work, 62% of schools have reported an improvement of students’ behavior, and 87% of schools have reported an improvement of students’ self-esteem.

"Shoes hold significant importance for children. Unfortunately, many families must prioritize rent and food, often leaving kids with ill-fitting, embarrassing or uncomfortable shoes, hindering their participation in physical activities and sometimes even leading to missed school days. Thanks to partners like Mercedes-Benz, we can address this basic need and positively influence children’s lives just in time for the holidays.”

Amy Fass, CEO and Executive Director of Shoes That Fit

MBUSA will also be matching donations made through our partnership website: https://www.shoesthatfit.org/mercedes-benz/

To learn more about MBUSA’s corporate social responsibility mission, Driving Your Future, please visit www.mbusa.com/en/corporate-social-responsibility. For more information on Shoes That Fit, please visit www.shoesthatfit.org.

Photos from the event can be accessed HERE.

About Mercedes-Benz USA:

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Atlanta, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz products in the United States. MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse lineup in the luxury segment with 18 model lines ranging from the sporty GLA SUV to the flagship S-Class and the dynamic all-electric vehicles from Mercedes-Benz. MBUSA is also responsible for Mercedes-Benz Vans in the U.S. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com and www.mbvans.com. Accredited journalists can visit our media site at media.mbusa.com.

Driving Your Future is Mercedes-Benz USA's corporate social responsibility initiative to support educational programs that empower the next generation. As part of our commitment to positively impact communities where employees live and work, MBUSA has partnered with Safe Kids Worldwide and Junior Achievement USA to create and support programs focused on technology and sustainability, career readiness, and injury prevention to help the next generation succeed. To learn more about Driving Your Future, please visit www.mbusa.com/en/corporate-social-responsibility.

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