36th Annual ‘Lace Up’ Distribution

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – For 36 years, Lace Up for Kids has helped local families prepare their kids for the upcoming school year. 

Organizers and volunteers arrived at the Secrest Auditorium today to deliver the merchandise and set up for Tuesday’s big give-away. 

“Today is moving day for Lace Up for Kids. We’ve been collecting shoes all summer and now they’re on the move to come for our distribution tomorrow. As you can see we have the West Muskingum Soccer team here, there’s 35-plus of them here moving the shoes in, arranging them. Pretty soon the clothing for the clothing portion is going to arrive and the socks and the books upstairs. And they’re setting up chairs for haircuts tomorrow. They’re doing it all.” Lace Up For Kids Co-Chairperson Sue Thuma said.

This year’s event will serve more than 900 area kids, and an event that size takes a considerable effort. The West Muskingum Soccer team has participated in Lace Up for Kids the last three years by volunteering to do the burdensome prep work. 

“This is a great opportunity to not only help people get ready for school but to also help the kids get the clothing and stuff. And it’s just a really good way to give back to the community. I mean it’s just a really good way to help people. I mean it’s just as simple as that. It’s a great way to help people who maybe aren’t as fortunate as some other people and it’s a great way once again, to give back.” West Muskingum Senior Soccer Team Member Brayden Hess said.

Thuma expressed gratitude to all the donors and volunteers throughout the community that have done their part to make this event possible.