All districts — Thirty years ago, Grand Rapids nonprofit organization In The Image started their SHOES (Shoes Help Our Elementary Students) program with a simple idea: no child should feel embarrassed or miss school because they don’t have proper footwear.
Next month, the organization will celebrate three decades of empowering youth by serving 4,000 elementary students in Kent County with new, properly fitting athletic shoes, allowing them to walk into the school year with confidence.
The two-day event will take place Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 12 and 13 at DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW, and is appointment-based, so every child gets a personalized shoe-shopping experience with volunteers.
Families with children entering kindergarten through fifth grade who are facing financial hardship are encouraged to make an appointment on the organization’s website. Morning, afternoon and evening timeslots are available, as well as the option to sign up to volunteer or make a donation.
“Three decades and 100,000 pairs of shoes later, this program has become a movement our whole community shows up for every year,” said Executive Director of In The Image Ashley Lubbers in a press release. “We’re honored to celebrate this milestone by continuing to walk alongside Kent County families.”
This year’s program also provides families with access to a broad network of free back-to-school health resources, including vision screenings and engagement with local organizations that promote healthy lifestyles and wellness support.
Read more from our districts:
• ‘The more books we can get in kids’ hands, the better’
• Starting the school year right for 10,000+ Kent County students
