Getting Kids on the Right Foot

A partnership years in the making aims, this month, to help kids lace up before heading to school in the fall.

This is the 27th year for the Lace Up For Kids campaign in Zanesville. The four Wendy’s restaurants provide a place for people to donate new tennis shows to Eastside Community Ministries.

Towards the middle of August, all the shoes donated, will be given out by Eastside.

“It is very important. We want to make sure that all kids start school,” Eastside Community Ministries executive director, Jamie Trout said. “We don’t want them to have to worry about anything but their education. If they can’t have the proper shoes then they’re going to have to worry about that instead of learning so it’s very important.”

People interested in receiving a pair of shoes can pick up an application from Eastside. If you just want to donate a little bit, Wendy’s said you can purchase a key tag for a dollar. That tag will give you the option to get a free junior frosty each time you visit a Zanesville Wendy’s until the end of the year. Trout said the campaign has always been successful.

“It’s been very helpful to parents so that they don’t have to worry about that extra expense, so the kids, if they can’t afford it, their kids are still going to get to start school with new shoes, and everybody feels good with new shoes,” Trout said. “Another way to help the community.”

The campaign continues through the pickup date of August 13. Starting now, people can pick up applications at Eastside. You’ll be able to submit those applications later in July. The project is sponsored by Wendy’s Restaurants, The WHIZ Media Group and Eastside Community Ministries.