Lace Up For Kids

ZANESVILLE, OH- Lace Up For Kids is making sure that students start the new school year on the right foot.
This morning members of Eastside Community Ministry and West Muskingum’s Boys Soccer Team started setting up for their big distribution day. This is the 34th year for the event put on by Eastside, WHIZ and Wendy’s. Over 1,400 pairs of shoes were unloaded that will help over 1,100 kids this year.

“First of all, you’re working with low-income families and going back to school is terribly expensive, probably more this year than any other. When the kids come in here their going to get a new pair of socks, they’ll get a pair of shoes to fit just them,” Volunteer and retired school teacher Sue Thuma said.

Kids will also get new back to school outfits and around 13 agencies will be offering services and activities for the kids. West Muskingum High School student, Nathan Davis, spoke about why it was important for him to volunteer and serve the community.

“It’s just about giving back, because I mean obviously, I grew up in this community, it holds a special place in my heart. Just giving back to the community is pretty important to me and this team in general, our soccer program, we like doing stuff for the community because they do stuff for us too, so it’s just good to give back,” Davis said.

This year’s event is also honoring the memory of the founder of Lace Up For Kids, Bob Goodrich, who passed away over the summer.