July 25, 2025

Kicks for the Kids: Supporting School Students with New Shoes

News Summary

Kicks for the Kids, a prominent shoe drive in Jacksonville, is back for its 15th year, aiming to donate over 4,000 pairs of shoes to local students. Founded by sisters Tan and Veronica Mayhew, the initiative has transformed from collecting just 300 pairs in its first year to a significant community effort. By partnering with Duval County social workers, the drive enhances school attendance and children’s self-esteem, providing ongoing support through a year-round shoe closet. The event not only meets immediate footwear needs but also fosters a spirit of generosity among families.

Jacksonville – Kicks for the Kids, a well-established shoe drive in Jacksonville, is set to return for its 15th year, continuing its mission to support local students by providing them with new shoes. The initiative aims to donate over 4,000 pairs of shoes this year, a significant increase from its inception, which saw just 300 pairs collected in the first year. The drive not only provides footwear but also aims to boost children’s confidence and promote school attendance among those in need.

The shoe drive is organized by sisters Tan and Veronica Mayhew, who started the initiative after recognizing that a lack of proper footwear adversely affected children’s ability to attend school regularly. Collaborating with social workers from Duval County Public Schools, they have created a program that demonstrates the power of community involvement in addressing a critical need among students.

As the initiative has grown, community support has played a pivotal role. Volunteers and donors from across Jacksonville contribute essential resources, ensuring that Kicks for the Kids continues to thrive each year. This year, the shoe drive has expanded its reach, providing a personal shopping experience for each child involved. This approach helps students feel valued and important, reinforcing the event’s positive impact on their self-esteem.

Social workers, such as Crystalene Brown from Duval County, have observed the tremendous benefits that Kicks for the Kids brings to the community. The drive helps alleviate the financial burden on families who struggle to provide shoes for their children, allowing those children to focus on their education without the worry of inadequate footwear. Furthermore, the initiative supports a year-round shoe closet at a local elementary school, ensuring continuous access to shoes outside of the main event.

The drive not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters a spirit of generosity among the participants. Families involved in the event learn the importance of giving back to the community, teaching children valuable lessons about empathy and support for one another. As Kicks for the Kids approaches its next event, enthusiasm and dedication are evident throughout the community.

New shoes can be contributed to designated drop-off locations until July 30. The shoe giveaway event is scheduled to take place from July 31 to August 2 at The Bethel Church, located at 215 Bethel Baptist St. This annual initiative has become an integral part of the community, uniting residents in a common goal: ensuring that every child has access to the shoes they need for school and everyday life.

Over the years, Kicks for the Kids has evolved from a small-scale event into a significant community effort that showcases the power of collective action. By continuing to rally support from volunteers and donors, the program demonstrates that even the simplest gestures can have far-reaching impacts on the lives of children and their families.

As Jacksonville prepares for the upcoming shoe drive, the message remains clear: when the community comes together, it can make a profound difference in the lives of those who need it most. Kicks for the Kids is not just about providing shoes; it’s about uplifting a generation of children and instilling a sense of hope and belonging in every student it reaches.

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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER

The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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