In The Image to provide a free pair of athletic shoes and promote healthy lifestyle choices to local kids.
In The Image, a local nonprofit organization, will soon host the 28th year of its annual SHOES (Shoes Help Our Elementary Students) program. As in years prior, the organization will provide over 4,100 Kent County children with a brand-new pair of shoes while also connecting families with healthy lifestyle resources, including free vision screenings and local organizations to help families kick-start the school year on the right foot.
SHOES has been serving the Grand Rapids community since 1996, providing brand new athletic shoes to over 100,000 students. Providing a new pair of shoes for elementary students ensures that children in our community can feel empowered to participate in recess, gym class, sports and afterschool programs. When a child no longer worries about whether their shoes fit, they can attend, focus and enjoy school with less barriers.
"The start of the school year often comes with joyful anticipation, and we think every kid and family should be able to feel this excitement," said Ashley Lubbers, Ph.D., Executive Director of In The Image. "SHOES lifts financial burden off of parents' shoulders and allows families to embrace the start of school with less worry. This year will be extraordinary for participants as we will be linking students with local resources that can offer long-term support. We know students who grow up in poverty situations have less success in school and poorer health outcomes; SHOES is here to help combat these struggles and support every Kent County elementary student toward success."
The SHOES Program will run from July 30 through August 3, 2024 at Devos Place in downtown Grand Rapids. The program is appointment-based, allowing every child to receive a tailor-made shoe selection experience alongside a great team of volunteers and staff. Kent County children entering Kindergarten through 5th grade are encouraged to take part in the program if their family is experiencing financial hardships.
Registration for is now open for shoppers and volunteers. Sponsorships and individual contributions are also welcomed to support the program continuing to operate at no cost to families in need. Individuals and organizations can support the program through this link.
Courtesy of West Michigan Woman.
Photos Courtesy of In The Image
