Laces of Love nonprofit giving free shoes to hundreds of SWFL students

Reporter: Asha Patel Writer: Joey Pellegrino
Published: Updated:
Southwest Florida children at a Laces of Love shoe donation event. Courtesy photo

With the costs of rent and utilities going up and forcing parents to make tough choices, the nonprofit group Laces of Love is trying to help by providing free shoes for hundreds of Lee County children on Wednesday morning.

Laces of Love will be donating 300 pairs of new shoes at around 8:45 a.m. These donations mean everything to some families — due to inflation, a little extra help can go a long way toward helping people who are struggling to buy gas and food. So far, Laces of Love has donated almost 4,000 shoes to Lee County schools, with the ultimate goal of donating 15,000 shoes by the end of 2022.

The United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades Counties started off the school year with its shelves full of shoes for elementary school students, but by last week they were nearly empty. Organizers say they are starting to fill up once again.

Jeanne Nealon, the CEO and co-founder of Laces of Love, says she hopes the nonprofit can give even more donations throughout the school year, because there are families that desperately need them right now.

Southwest Florida children at a Laces of Love shoe donation event. Courtesy photo

“People are just constantly finding students in their classrooms that are coming to school with flip-flops on, they can’t take PE class,” nealon said. “They’re wearing improper clothing and shoes to school. So, United Way and Laces of Love has been just getting calls nonstop, with parents, teachers, coaches asking for sports shoes, as well.”

Nealon says shoes for kids are not cheap. A pair of sneakers can currently cost parents between $30 and $50, which can be a major purchase for some families.

“They just can’t afford to buy their kids shoes; it’s either pay their bills or buy a pair of shoes for their children,” Nealon said. “And when you’ve got an electric bill or a water bill coming in and your rent is due, and the rent continues to go up, they just… you know, they’re just, like, ‘Can you wear your shoes from last year?’ And kids can’t do that when they’re growing at the speed that they are; kids grow really fast.”

School officials around Southwest Florida encourage parents to reach out to their school if they need shoes, backpacks or any other essential items for their children.

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