08/29/2026
Irma Allen: Bringing Joy, One Pair of Shoes at a Time
Irma Allen ran The Cowtown many times before joining the team as a volunteer in 2023, shortly after her retirement. She initially signed up to deliver shoes to a couple of schools. She enjoyed it so much she soon began volunteering every day.
For the past three years, Irma has helped fit new running shoes at every school we serve. She brings energy and enthusiasm to every visit, making each child feel special. She always answers the call when help is needed, volunteering with C.A.L.F. Run Camp, packet pickup, race setup and so much more. And through it all, she never misses a training run!
What drives you to go to every school?
“Oh my gosh, the most memorable moments come from the kids,” Irma says.
She loves hearing comments like, “It feels so good to finally have shoes that fit!” and “My mom will be so happy she doesn't have to buy these shoes.”
The best moment, however, is seeing the look on a child's face when they ask, “Can I keep these?” and Irma gets to answer, “YES!”
“I love to see the kids’ faces light up as they tell me how many times they have run The Cowtown and how fast they are going to finish.”
What keeps you coming back to volunteer?
“Knowing I helped bring joy to these kids.”
For Irma, every school visit is about much more than fitting a pair of shoes. It’s about giving children confidence, creating happy memories and helping them feel seen and special. Her enthusiasm and dedication make her an invaluable part of The Cowtown family.
