Press Release from the City of Elizabeth
Earlier this morning, Mayor J. Christian Bollwage announced that a non-profit organization, Kicks for Kids, LLC., will host an in-store sneaker event for children in need at The Mills at Jersey Gardens on Thursday, July 26, 2018.
“Due to a family’s financial hardships, there may not be funds to purchase new shoes, therefore children often wear hand-me-downs or shoes that may not fit well – both of which can be uncomfortable and contribute to foot issues,” said Mayor Bollwage. “I would like to thank Kicks for Kids for being a selfless organization, which addresses this issue and provides new sneakers to young people. Their efforts are helping our community gain access to resources that will support youth growth and development.”
The event, which is being held in the Nike Factory Outlet and in coordination with the County of Union, will provide two hundred and fifty (250) Elizabeth children the opportunity to choose a sneaker and style they like and be properly fitted with the help of a Nike sales member. In addition to the giveaway, several activities will be set up in the mall’s parking lot, including bounce houses, water slides, music and performances by local groups as well as food and more.
All participants in the Kicks for Kids event will also have the opportunity to enroll in a variety of summer programs including STEM, Tech, Coding, summer and sports programs. These summer camps prepare students for college by promoting problem solving, critical thinking and teamwork skills at no cost.
Freeholder Chairman Granados noted the County’s Office of Community Engagement and Diversity, worked to coordinate the Kicks for Kids event. “The County of Union is pleased to partner with Kicks for Kids in their efforts to support, educate and boost confidence in underprivileged children,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “In addition to providing children in need with the proper footwear aimed at preventing bullying from their peers, Kicks for Kids is supplementing this effort with recreational and educational programs aimed at boosting their development. I thank them for their efforts and look forward to this productive partnership.”
Kicks for Kids, LLC., which was founded by CEO Beatrice Carter in 2015, is a non-profit 501(c)(3) youth service organization, which presents brand-new sneakers to disadvantaged children, who also participate in its educational programs (anti-bulling, tutorial, enrichment). Since its induction, they have provided over five hundred (500) children with brand new shoes and have helped over two hundred (200) families in New Jersey.
“Children, who wear ill-fitting or off-brand sneakers are often ignored, teased, bullied and even victimized in schools,” said Beatrice Carter, CEO and Founder. “These experiences can become the root cause for frustration, low self-esteem, depression, anger and violence that is often associated with disadvantaged children. So let us remember that we should never underestimate the power of help – even a little goes a long way!”
For more information about Kicks for Kids or to donate, please visit www.kicks-forkids.com. To have countywide community events & programs coordinated as well as volunteer opportunities, the public can contact Nathalie Hernandez, the coordinator of the Office of Community Engagement and Diversity at 908-527-4880 or email nahernandez@ucnj.org.