Children get a boost of confidence from Shoes and Clothes for Kids

Each morning we get up for work, take a shower, go to the closet and pick out what we plan on wearing for the day.

Now imagine doing the same, but when you get to your closet, the only things there are some hand-me downs, or even the same clothes you wore yesterday.

Not a pretty image.

Yet, hard as it is to believe considering this is the United States, today nearly four million children across America do exactly that.

In Ohio alone, 14.1 percent of families live below the poverty line, with an even scarier fact based on a 2011 report by the National Center for children in Poverty, that more than half (52.5%) are in the greater Cleveland area alone, which is the highest since the Great depression in 1933.

Fortunately many of those children are afforded an opportunity thanks to an organization that was started in 1969 by businessman Morrie Sayre, called Shoes for Kids.

“He started the organization because he saw kids playing in the streets with no shoes, and he decided he was going to do something, so he filled his trunk and literally distrubted slightly used shoes, but then thought these kids deserve something new.”

Now known as Shoes and Clothes for kids (SC4K) it is the only organization in the Cleveland area providing brand new shoes and clothes to thousands of kids at no charge to positively influence their lives.

“It's kind of a horrible thing when you think about it, because I know for myself, for these kids the only thing new they will receive is from us, " SC4K Director of Development and Communications Sharon Boyes said. and that is what sets us apart from any other non-profit organization as we distribute them new shoes and clothes.”

The clothing came into play around 1989 when a New York based organization that worked with non-profits across the US identified SC4K as the organization in Cleveland. But when Sears, the biggest supplier of free clothing bought KMART, they did away with their donation program, so today SC4K, which is a non-profit organization has to buy all their merchandise.

Despite that fact, Boyes says the organization gives out on an annual basis around $2.4 million worth of clothes and shoes, through a distribution network of 35 social agencies to children who otherwise would have nothing.

“What is great about that, is not only are these organizations in a neighborhood and know the families, but what happens a family will come in and they will see they have kids who are school age and they service the family overall,” Boyes said. “So it isn't just giving the kids the clothing and shoes its also finding patterns of behavior that will enrich their lives, and no one does it like we do, and we do it year round.”

Socks and underwear, are also one of the biggest needs.

“You would be amazed at how many kids don't have these things,”Boyes said. “In the winter people donate hats and boots in droves but not those items, so what the associate board has done is work with companies to collect those items and its been amazing how it has taken off this year.”

The amazing thing about SC4K, is that despite having a staff of just three, through its volunteers and the goodwill of others the organization has been able to increase its efforts to help these children in need. Of every dollar donated to SC4K, $0.92 is spent on programs serving needy children in the Cleveland area,

On July 20th, those wishing to help SC4K have the chance, as one of its top fund-raising events, the Luau will take place on Whiskey Island. Last year it attracted over 750 people, and is now in its eighth year.

“It's really an event that attracts groups of all ages,” Boynes said. “People come out they have a good time, its all you can eat, its all you can drink and ARAMARK does all the catering. It's really a fun party and gives people an opportunity to take advantage of our lake shore.”

The event costs $40 and there is also a VIP Package which costs $50 and admits individuals a half hour early.

The organization also puts on Happy Hours, with the next one occurring June 20th at McCarthy's, where $20 gets you all you can eat and drink and will be DJ's by Q104's Allen Fee. SC4K also puts on a spring fundraiser, called the Fools Frolic, which last year was helped at Moxie and raised $60,000.

There are also community events, such as stuff the bus which is in conjunction with the zoo.

Another great thing which is quiet, but says a lot about a number of the professional athletes in this city, is that SCK4 has a great partnership with the Browns, Indians and Cavaliers where the players get to interact with the children and it enables SC4K to take the kids out to games.

For more information about the Luau or to make a finacial contribution you can call the office at 216.881.7463 ext.6. Donations can also be mailed to SC4K: 3311 Perkins Ave., Suite 205, Cleveland OH, 44114.