Service Project in Cleveland: Shoes and Clothes for Kids

Attendees of the 2015 SAA Annual Conference in Cleveland will have a fun opportunity to give back to the host city by participating in a charitable service project.  We will be partnering with Shoes and Clothes for Kids (SC4K) to provide a volunteer opportunity for interested meeting goers.

Shoes and Clothes for Kids (SC4K) is the only non-profit organization in Greater Cleveland providing new shoes and clothes at no charge throughout the year to thousands of children in need.  For the past 46 years, SC4K has had a positive impact on the lives of area children by giving them the pride and confidence that comes from having new shoes and clothes.  Pride and confidence are essential to a child's success in school – and in life.

Founded in 1969 by businessman Morrie Sayre as Shoes for Kids, the organization originally collected shoes to distribute directly to the children in need and later raised money to purchase new shoes to serve children directly in the schools.

This year there will be two opportunities to participate.
The first is an on-site opportunity on Tuesday August 18, 9:30am to 12:30 pm. SC4K buys pallets of clothes that need to be counted, sorted, and packed into smaller boxes for its distribution partners.  Packing days are a fun opportunity that involves some physical labor, including: making boxes, opening and unpacking boxes, breaking down boxes, packing boxes, and then starting the process all over again!

The second will take place throughout the conference, at the conference hotel. Help local kids by providing most-needed essentials to start the school year off with confidence and pride.  Donation boxes will be set up in the Cleveland Convention Center.  SC4K is seeking new articles of children’s clothing, specifically socks and undergarments, and back-to-school essentials.  Pack a few items to bring to Cleveland – they won’t take up much room in your suitcase – to add to our donation boxes.

For more information, see the Host Committee blog and the website for Shoes and Clothes for Kids (links below)