GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A local organization is getting thousands of kids across Kent County ready to go back to school.
Nonprofit In the Image is hosting its 30th annual event Wednesday and Thursday at DeVos Place. The organization is supplying more than 4,000 kids with a free pair of athletic shoes, along with a backpack full of school supplies and a gift. The program is for students entering kindergarten to fifth grade.
Free supplies, haircuts, more at back-to-school events
More than 100,000 local students have been supplied with shoes over the last 30 years through the organization’s work.
“We definitely feel the squeeze this year,” executive director Ashley Lubbers said. “I think we all feel it. Groceries are more expensive. So this is just a great way for our community to support each other. And it really does take a village to support these kids and the families that are coming through so they can come in and get supplies for school. And they also receive a gift. And they’re kind of ready to go. We want them to be excited about school.”…