Lace Up for Kids 2024

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – 2024 marks the 36th annual ‘Lace Up for Kids’ back to school, charity children’s clothing benefit.

Eastside Community Ministry Executive Director Jamie Trout explained the need for the event and how the function has evolved beyond shoes.

“We are very excited to say that we will not only be providing shoes and socks but also a brand new outfit again this year. And underwear and a health fair,” Trout said. “So the application process is coming up soon. We’re going to start that on Monday, July 8th, in-person at Eastside Community Ministry. So if you have a child that’s in Pre-K through 12th grade that attends a Muskingum County school district, you can apply for Lace Up for Kids.”

Trout said the application window will close Thursday, July 11th and households who already qualify for other assistance programs will meet the requirements for this program. The items will be available for pickup on Tuesday, August 6th, at Secrest Auditorium.  

“So if you are interested in helping with this project, we are accepting donations of brand new tennis shoes of all sizes,” Trout said. “So we need all sizes of shoes and you can drop those off at Eastside Community Ministry, Monday through Thursday. You can also drop off your donations at the Colony Square Mall this year and they will be happy to give them to us. Monetary donations are also accepted. You can do that by going on Eastside Community Ministry’s website or mailing them to Eastside Community Ministry.”

Local Wendy’s restaurants will be donating $1 dollar from every kids meal purchase to Lace Up for Kids between now and Friday. July 12th. Eastside Community Ministry is located at 221 Stillwell Street in Zanesville.