Nov/Dec Foundation Friday
As the year winded down and the air filled with a little extra warmth (and maybe the scent of cinnamon), we were reminded that the true magic of the holiday season isn’t found in what we receive—it’s in what we share. The Holiday Season is the time to extend kindness, uplift our communities, and make a difference in ways big and small. And that is exactly what we did.
Winter Series
This winter, our mission to give back took center stage in the most heartwarming way. As part of our Winter Series, we had the privilege of providing brand-new pairs of shoes to over 2,500 kids across four incredible communities—Phoenix, AZ; Troy, Alabama; Indianapolis, IN; and Detroit, Michigan. For many of these students, the gift of new shoes meant more than comfort—it meant confidence, pride, and the joy of knowing someone cares.
The excitement was contagious as special guests joined us to make each event unforgettable. In Troy, the Troy University Football Team brought their energy and encouragement, turning the day into a celebration of community spirit. In Indianapolis, teammates from our Lids Corporate office rolled up their sleeves to help fit shoes, share smiles, and cheer on the kids. In Detroit, Derrick Barnes inspired students with words of perseverance and hope, while in Phoenix, NFL quarterback Jacoby Brissett shared high-fives and heartfelt moments that will be remembered for years to come.
These events were more than shoe giveaways—they were reminders of the power of showing up for one another. Every pair of shoes carried a message: You are valued, you are supported, and your dreams matter. As we wrap up this chapter of our Winter Series, we’re reminded that giving back isn’t just about what we give—it’s about the connections we build and the futures we help shape. Together, we’ve taken thousands of steps toward brighter tomorrows.
Baskets of Hope
This past Thanksgiving, we partner with Lids Hat Drop for the third year to bring warmth, comfort, and full plates to families across Indianapolis. Together, we provided 750 turkeys to the Shepherd Community Center for their annual Baskets of Hope program. Each basket was brimming with not only the turkeys we donated but also all the classic Thanksgiving trimmings—stuffing, vegetables, and more—ensuring families could enjoy a holiday meal filled with love.
The giving spirit didn’t stop there. A group of Lids Corporate teammates and their families joined forces to personally deliver these baskets to households in need throughout the city. With every knock on a door came smiles, heartfelt conversations, and the joy of knowing that a simple act of kindness can make the holiday season brighter for someone else.
For us, Baskets of Hope was more than a food drive—it was a reminder of the power of community and the impact we can make when we come together. This Thanksgiving, we didn’t just deliver meals; we delivered hope, connection, and the promise that no one is alone during the holidays.
Isaiah 117 House Holiday Drive
Our Lids teammates came together to make the season brighter for children in transitional housing at the Isaiah 1:17 House. Through our in-office holiday drive, we collected an incredible array of gifts—everything from toys and sports gear to warm socks, cozy jackets, and so much more. By the time the drive wrapped up, our office holiday tree was bursting with generosity, its base surrounded by colorful packages ready to bring joy and comfort to kids who need it most. It was a beautiful reminder that when we give from the heart, we help create a season filled with hope and happiness.
Chris Brickley Holiday Giveback
In the heart of New York City, we teamed up with renowned basketball trainer Chris Brickley for a special Holiday Giveback in partnership with Covenant House. Together, we created an unforgettable shopping experience for young people overcoming homelessness and difficult circumstances. The event gave them the chance to pick out brand-new apparel, sneakers, and accessories—items chosen not just for style, but to help them feel confident and supported as they step into the new year.
Chris brought his signature energy and warmth, connecting with each participant and making the day feel personal and empowering. Smiles lit up the room as bags filled with fresh gear, but the real gift was the sense of dignity, choice, and joy that each young person carried away.
This Holiday Giveback was a powerful reminder that the season isn’t just about giving things—it’s about giving moments, memories, and the belief that brighter days are ahead.
In the heart of New York City, we teamed up with renowned basketball trainer Chris Brickley for a special Holiday Giveback in partnership with Covenant House. Together, we created an unforgettable shopping experience for young people overcoming homelessness and difficult circumstances. The event gave them the chance to pick out brand-new apparel, sneakers, and accessories—items chosen not just for style, but to help them feel confident and supported as they step into the new year.
Chris brought his signature energy and warmth, connecting with each participant and making the day feel personal and empowering. Smiles lit up the room as bags filled with fresh gear, but the real gift was the sense of dignity, choice, and joy that each young person carried away.
This Holiday Giveback was a powerful reminder that the season isn’t just about giving things—it’s about giving moments, memories, and the belief that brighter days are ahead.
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
On December 12th, we partnered with Just Baseball to deliver joy to the young patients at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. Together, we handed out gift bags filled with hats, bobbleheads, and trading cards—little treasures to brighten their day. We were joined by baseball legend Jeff Conine, his son Griffin Conine, and the always-energetic Billy Marlin, who brought laughter, high-fives, and unforgettable moments to the kids and their families.
Shout Out!!!
We’re closing out the year with a huge round of applause for our incredible Lids teammates across the nation. Your passion, dedication, and generosity made 2025 a truly historic year for the Lids Foundation in Round Up Donation—together, you raised over $1 million to support communities and causes that matter most. This is the highest Round Up fundraising total in our history, and it’s all because of the heart and hustle you bring every single day.
From in-store efforts to corporate initiatives, you’ve proven that when we work together, we can achieve extraordinary things. This milestone isn’t just a number—it’s thousands of lives touched, opportunities created, and hope delivered.
Thank you for being true champions for the Lids Foundation and for making this a year we’ll never forget.
Looking Back and Moving Forward
As we look back on this incredible season of giving, one thing is clear—the heart of Lids beats strongest when we’re giving back. From providing thousands of kids with new shoes in our Winter Series, to delivering Thanksgiving meals through Baskets of Hope, to brightening the holidays for children, families, and young people across the country, every act of kindness has created ripples of hope that will carry into the new year.
This year, we didn’t just meet goals—we shattered records, raised over $1 million for the Lids Foundation in Round Up Dollars alone, thousands of lives touched and proved that when we come together, we can change lives in powerful ways. Whether you donated, volunteered, or simply shared a smile, you were part of something bigger than all of us.
As we step into the year ahead, let’s carry this spirit forward—continuing to lift each other up, champion our communities, and make every season a season of giving. Thank you for making 2025 unforgettable. Here’s to an even brighter 2026—together.