Where the money goes
Effective July 20, 2026
Every dollar given to Leslie's Laces exists for one purpose: putting new shoes on students who need them. This page explains how that works, what happens in edge cases, and the promises we make to everyone who gives.
How donations are used
Donations purchase new shoes for students whose families requested them through our program, and cover the direct costs of getting those shoes to them. Leslie's Laces acts as the facilitator: supporters cover requests, and we purchase and ship the shoes (or coordinate supporters who choose to buy and ship a pair themselves). We are an all-volunteer effort founded in honor of Leslie Morman.
Covering a specific pair
When you cover a specific request from the Shoe Board, we apply your gift to that request. If that request can't be fulfilled — for example, the family can no longer be reached, or the request is withdrawn — your gift is used to cover shoes for another child. No donation sits idle because one request fell through, and no donation guarantees fulfillment of a specific request unless we've explicitly confirmed it with you.
The processing cost
Checkout always shows your exact total before you pay, with the payment processing cost shown as its own line — just like any online purchase. We add it on top and round up to the whole dollar so that the full shoe amount reaches the child instead of being nibbled by card fees. What you see at checkout is what you're charged; there are no hidden amounts.
Refunds
Donations to Leslie's Laces are generally final and non-refundable — once given, they go to work. That said, mistakes happen: duplicate charges, processing errors, or an obviously unintended amount will be reviewed and, where appropriate, refunded on a case-by-case basis. Email info@leslieslaces.org within 30 days of the charge and include the date and amount; we'll make it right.
Tax status
Leslie's Laces is a Texas nonprofit corporation. We have applied for federal 501(c)(3) status; once approved, donations will be tax-deductible retroactive to our formation date. Until that approval arrives, please don't treat a donation as tax-deductible — we'd rather be straight with you than optimistic on your tax return.
Our commitment to stewardship
- Checkout totals are itemized — you always see exactly what you're charged and why.
- A request is only crossed off the board when a person confirms the shoes were actually purchased and shipped — never automatically.
- Every change to a request's status is logged, and the record is kept.
- The public board shows real progress in real time: what's been covered, and what's still waiting.
This program grew from a promise to honor someone we love. Handling other people's generosity carelessly would break that promise, and we don't intend to.
Contact
Questions about a donation: info@leslieslaces.org