JIM JACKSON STEPS UP FOR NATHAN HALE

Jim Jackson at Nathan Hale Elementary School.

Former NBA star Jim Jackson meets with students at Nathan Hale Elementary School, his elementary alma mater, to out- fit the 483 students with new footwear.

Mr. Jackson and his James A. Jackson Foundation arranged for corporate donations to help fund the Winter Boots Program at the Upton Avenue school yesterday. Mr. Jackson s foundation cited Census Bureau statistics that 20 percent of the families in that area live below the poverty level, and more than 42 percent of working-age residents there are unemployed. The foundation plans to expand the program next year.