HAMTRAMCK, Mich. – About than 450 students at Dickenson West Elementary School in Hamtramck received new shoes on Wednesday through a strategic partnership that helped boost attendance on Michigan’s crucial Count Day.
The shoe giveaway, put on by Lace Up Detroit, drew more than 90% attendance at the school, nearly meeting Principal Leola Banks’ goal of 100% attendance.
“The need is very large in our community,” said Cynthia Twymon, a third-grade teacher at Dickenson West Elementary School.
Lace Up Detroit provides free shoes to Metro Detroit children year-round, thanks to the donations of community members.
Two prominent local business leaders stepped up to support the initiative. Serta CEO, Larry Kraft and Rachel Stewart, CEO of Gardner White, teamed up again to give a $15,000 donation.
“I was moved by the joy, enthusiasm and excitement of the kids,” Kraft said. “There’s that saying money can’t buy happiness, but I think we bought some happiness.”
Volunteers from Lace Up Detroit made sure all students left with the right fit. “So many kids don’t have school shoes. A lot of the time when we’re fitting them here, we’re moving them up to sizes,” said Suzanne Seitz with Lace Up Detroit.
Eight-year-old Tori was among the excited students selecting new footwear. “These shoes are really cute because they’re really sparkly,” she said while trying on a pair.
The timing of the giveaway was intentional, coinciding with Count Day — when student attendance helps determine school funding levels.
Teachers noted the impact extends beyond just new footwear. “It is 100% true, as a teacher I’ve watched students who their head is down, and when they get a new pair of shoes, outfit, hairdo, their heads up high, raising their hands more,” Twymon said. “It builds them up on the inside.”