Our Back to School Shoe events provide new shoes, socks, school supplies and vision screenings free of charge to kids walking through grade 12 who reside in the 5 counties we serve (Grand Traverse, Benzie, Kalkaska, Antrim, Leelanau).
REGISTRATION HAS ENDED. There will be limited times for walk-ups while supplies last. You must reside in one of the 5 counties we serve, but can register for any event in the four counties we are holding events.
EVENT DATES:
Benzie County: August 3, 2026. We will take walk-ups from 2pm-4:20pm while supplies last.
Kalkaska: August 5, 2026. We will take walk-ups from 2pm-4:20pm while supplies last.
Mancelona: August 7, 2026. We will take walk-ups from 2pm-4:20pm while supplies last.
Traverse City: August 11, 12, 13 and 14, 2026. We will take walk-ups on Friday, August 14 from 10am-2pm.
Proof of county/address (Grand Traverse, Benzie, Kalkaska, Antrim, Leelanau) will be required on the day of your appointment at check-in. Children along with parent or guardian must be present to receive shoes. Please arrive within 15 minutes of the appointment time, or you may be asked to return during the walk-up time frame. Shoes during the walk-up times are not guaranteed and are available only while supplies last
Walk-In Policy: Walk-ups (Those who did not register) will be served at limited times after 2:00pm for the Benzie, Kalkaska, and Mancelona events, and on Friday, August 14, from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm for the Traverse City events. Shoes are only available to walk-up kids while supplies last and are not guaranteed.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for all events and to help load the truck for each event. Individuals and groups welcome! It’s a fun and very rewarding event! Click to volunteer:
