Shoes For Kids

The Kiwanis Shoes for Kids Project is a charitable initiative established with the primary objective of providing new tennis shoes to students in the Charlotte County Public School System who are in need. The project, which was initiated in 2005, is a joint effort between the Kiwanis Club of Port Charlotte Sunrise and Edison State College. The project was launched to ensure that all students have access to appropriate footwear for the start of the new school year and throughout the academic year. As a 501c3 organization, the Kiwanis Shoes for Kids Project is dedicated to enhancing the lives of children in the local community.

Our Purpose

The Kiwanis Shoes for Kids Project is committed to providing new tennis shoes to students in the Charlotte County Public School System who require them. The project aims to distribute new shoes at the beginning of the new school year, as well as, during the academic year. We strive to meet the needs of local school children, and we are confident that this can only be achieved through the hope and faith of the community. The project has been a resounding success, with over 100,000 new pairs of sneakers distributed in the first 18 years of its existence.

Fundraising and Donations

Through the generosity of donors, the Kiwanis Shoes for Kids Project has raised over $1,494,165 in the first 18 years of the project. This equates to an average of $15 per pair of shoes. The project relies heavily on donations and fundraising efforts to continue its mission of providing new sneakers to students in need. During the 2022 summer drive, the project was able to meet its goal of distributing 4,100 new pairs of shoes. Throughout the academic year, we collected over 6,800 new pairs of shoes. The project's largest requests for shoes are in the toddler sizes 11-13 and youth sizes 1-6.

Our Distribution Efforts

The Kiwanis Shoes for Kids Project collects only new sneakers (tennis shoes) to distribute to students in need. This ensures that the shoes can be worn for gym class and other activities. The project collects shoes in sizes ranging from 6 toddler - 15 men's and 6 toddler - 11 women's. Approximately 75% of the shoes are delivered to elementary schools. The project delivers shoes to all that are in need, including students in Baker Pre-K, elementary, middle, and high schools, Charlotte Harbor Center, the Academy, and Crossroads Hope Academy.

The Impact of Your Donation

Your donation to the Kiwanis Shoes for Kids Project will make a direct impact on the lives of youth in our community. With your help, we can continue to provide shoes to students in need, allowing them to participate in physical activities with appropriate footwear. Your support will enable us to meet the needs of students throughout the academic year, ensuring that every student has access to new sneakers. With your donation, we can continue our mission of enhancing the lives of children in our community, one pair of shoes at a time.