Lace Up Detroit to Give Free Shoes to Dickinson West Elementary Kids Next Week

Next week, students at Dickinson West Elementary in Hamtramck will get new shoes through Lace Up Detroit's back-to-school program. This work fills a vital need for local families who struggle to afford basic school supplies.

The group's 2024 drive brought in shoes and boots for kids across Metro Detroit. Staff at Dickinson West point out that students often wear ill-fitting or worn-out footwear that can't stand up to Michigan's harsh weather.

"We are blessed and fortunate to have many different cultures in our school," said third-grade teacher Cynthia Twymon, according to ClickOnDetroit. "Some of our students have only sandals at home, and obviously in Michigan, we need something a little more sturdy for our weather."

Fresh footwear does more than keep feet warm and dry. Students show marked improvement in class after getting new shoes. "I know it's going to make a difference. It makes a difference in the classroom," Twymon said. "You see it when they have new shoes. Their confidence goes to the moon. You see it in how they learn, how they speak up, even how they smile."

Last year's success stories include brothers Mike and Larry Kennedy. Mike, a third-grader, and Larry, in fourth grade, received shoes during the previous giveaway. Their mom, Kimberly Kennedy, watched her sons bloom because they were so proud of their new footwear.

"It's nice for them to do that for the kids because it builds kids' self-confidence a lot," Kennedy said. "When kids can wear their new clothes, it makes them feel so much brighter and so much better. And it makes the parent happy when their kid is happy."

Started in 2024, the program tackles a growing issue among Metro Detroit students. Staff members noticed kids without proper shoes stayed away from outdoor play and seemed less focused on learning.

Want to pitch in? Visit Lace Up Detroit's website to donate. Your money buys new shoes for students in need at schools throughout Metro Detroit.