Baton Rouge, LA--For the fourth straight year, Catholic Charities Kicks for Kids paired up with area churches, Payless Shoe Source and new sponsor Baton Rouge State Fair Foundation to help 1,450 children start school off on the right foot. Click here to view a slideshow. 

Since Kicks for Kids began in 2008, about 3,500 children have stepped into a new school year with new shoes thanks to the generosity of parishioners and program sponsors. This year, the agency set a goal of serving 1,000 children, but the boost in funds will bump that number to 1,450, a 45% increase over its goal. Most of the families receiving shoe vouchers are current or former clients of Catholic Charities. The churches also reserved some of the vouchers to distribute to families in need. Most live at or below the poverty level.

“Other great organizations collect school supplies and uniforms,” said Deacon Richard Grant of Our Lady of Mercy, “but none were providing new shoes. That’s when our church approached Catholic Charities back in 2007 and we’ve never looked back.” 

“When Deacon Grant and Our Lady of Mercy came to us with this idea, we knew it was something struggling families needed,” said David Aguillard, Catholic Charities Executive Director. “The program gets bigger every year thanks to their dedication and hard work. This year Our Lady of Mercy raised over half of the total funds for the project.” 

In addition to Our Lady of Mercy, several Catholic churches collected money for the first time including  Holy Ghost, Mater Dolorosa, Our Lady of Pompeii and St. Dominic.

“This year, we’re excited about our new partner, The Baton Rouge State Fair Foundation,” said Aguillard. “They have supported other smaller projects in the past, but this one just seemed like a better fit.”

“In the summer, utility bills soar and grocery lists get longer,” said JH Martin, Baton Rouge Fair Foundation Chair. “By the time school rolls around, there's not a lot left over in the budget for school supplies, uniforms and classroom fees which can add up to well over $400. The foundation felt like we could have a big impact with a lot of kids.” 

Every year Payless Shoe Source gives a discount on the shoes, opens early with extra staff at 5 designated locations, and stocks up on popular styles for the “Kicks for Kids” program.