Hundreds of students from underserved Chicago Neighborhoods will be receiving a new pair of shoes this summer thanks to the Inaugural Back2School Kicks event Saturday August 27th at Pullman Districts Gately Stadium. The event is in partnership with The Community Retail Association, The Athletes Foot, Youth Guidance, and the Refugee Life Foundation. Back2School Kicks will feature various athletic activities with prizes for top participants, back 2 school supplies, and kids will be fitted for new shoes provided by the Athletes Foot. “I always dreamt of seeing the various organizations I am passionate about join forces to provide for underserved kids” says Rush Darwish, who oversees both the Community Retail Association and The Refugee Life Foundation. “My family and The Athletes Foot have been donating shoes to Chicago residents for a long time and we are thankful we have a new outlet to distribute fresh new kicks for students heading back to school for many years to come”.
The Back2School Kicks coalition all have vast experience in community organizing. The Refugee Life Foundation provides funds for Refugee families both domestic and globally and advocates for causes where injustice and inequality exist. The Community Retail Association launched Kick Back to the Community program in early 2022 with the mission to organize retailers to give back to neighborhoods where member shops are located. Youth Guidance creates and implements school-based programs that enable children to overcome obstacles, focus on their education and, ultimately, to succeed in school and in life. The Athletes Foot is a worldwide retailer founded in 1971 and is considered the first athletic specialty store of its kind. All participants will also receive an event t-shirt which will showcase sponsors to help offset operational costs for B2SK.