DETROIT – Thanks to the generous support of Local 4 viewers, every Durfee-Central student went home with a new pair of shoes.
Last month Local 4 partnered with Lace Up Detroit to raise money to provide Detroit students with new shoes for the school year.
We set a goal of $20,000. You surpassed that goal by $70,000.
That made it possible to provide all 600 students at Durfee-Central with new shoes.
“It means a lot. At least my momma ain’t got to pay no money,” student Jayden Lovett said.
“It is nice. I like having free things because then my parents won’t have to spend any money,” student Danasia Kendred Robinson said.
Some of the students were in need of a new pair of shoes.
“We had a girl come in today, she was wearing her mom’s shoes,” said Suzanne Seitz, who is one of the founders of Lace Up Detroit.
Cre Baker, who is an academic interventionist at the school, enjoyed watching students shop for shoes.
“It means a lot for our students. Several hundred have come through here already and to see the delight, say Ms. Baker we have new shoes, Ms. Baker look at my shoes,” she said.
Serta CEO Larry Kraft was one of many donors who helped make the event so special.
“There aren’t really words to describe this when you look around,” he said.
Many students expressed their appreciation for the donors and volunteers.
“Thank you very, very much for the gift,” student Savannah Sosa-Carroll said.
Due to the overwhelming support, Lace Up Detroit has more shoes to give away.
“We have been able to help so many kids. And this is just the beginning. We got another four or five of these events,” Seitz said.
We want to honor those making a difference. Click here to nominate someone who’s Going 4 It in your community. We’ll be featuring your nominees every month on Local 4 and ClickOnDetroit.