JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – News4JAX and Kicks for the Kids partnered up again this year to help kids in need of a new pair of shoes. This makes 10 years of this partnership.
Since 2014, News4JAX and Kicks for the Kids have helped collect over 15,600 pairs of shoes for children in need.
Recommended Videos
The founder of Kicks for the Kids is Tan Mayhew, and she explained how there are no criteria for families to apply for the program.
“That is the great thing about us. You do not have to have any criteria, other than you have a need. We do not ask for any paperwork, or any type of proof that you fit into any income level. It’s just that you have a need,” Mayhew said.
The donation deadline was extended by an extra day to receive more donations, and you all, our viewers, made the donations happen this year for families in need. Thank you!
Donors were asked to give a pair of new, unused sneakers for children in K-12.
“Every year there is a different need, of course, with the economy. This year we definitely see that there are more families that are in need, and they are so appreciative,” Mayhew said.
The shoe giveaway event started Thursday and goes until Saturday.
“When they [families] leave, they are hugging volunteers, they tell us ‘Thank you’ and they are expressing how they would not have been able to do it if it was not for the shoe drive and that is what encourages us to keep going,” Mayhew said.
Registered families are given appointments to bring their children to get shoes. Families must have an appointment for each child. Registration closed after Kicks for Kids said it reached its 1,400 slots available.
Our drop-off locations this year were WJXT Channel 4, Closets By Design, Bank of America, 1st Place Sports, Meow and Barks Boutique, Fragrant Body Oilz, 1Foxy Lady Cafe, The Selfie Showroom, Jones & Rose, and McGowan’s Heating and Air Conditioning. Addresses for our drop-off locations are below.