Children Recieve New Shoes for Back to School

Proper fitting, supportive shoes are necessary to maintain good foot health, especially in growing children. On Tuesday, August 28, the Michigan Podiatric Medical Association (MPMA) donated more than 150 pair of athletic shoes to children in the programs of Wellspring Lutheran Services. The shoes will be distributed to the youth before the new school year begins.

“Children’s feet change quickly as they age,” said Dr. Jodie Sengstock, MPMA Director of Professional Relations. “Improper fitting shoes can aggravate the feet and create sores and other problems. Our goal is to educate the public on how and why to have children in proper fitting footwear and to help some in-need children start the school year off on the ‘right foot’.”

This is the sixth year that MPMA has partnered with Wellspring Lutheran Services for shoe distribution.

Through its child and family services division, the statewide nonprofit supports children in foster care, children in residential care with cognitive, behavioral and emotional issues, and provides family support services to keep families safely together. The organization also serves seniors and caregivers across Michigan. More information on Wellspring and foster parenting may be found at wellspringlutheran.com.

The MPMA brought all of the shoes to Wellspring’s New Directions Campus in Farmington Hills.

Dr. Sengstock met several of the children residents, fitting them with new shoes.

“Shopping for new school supplies and clothing is very expensive for families,” said Marie Tolen, Campus Director-New Directions, Wellspring Lutheran Services. “Just purchasing a trapper/organizer can run up to $25. As the children get ready to go back to school, this shoe donation from the MPMA helps to supplement the foster parents’ clothing allowance and the limited funds they are given can to be used for other needed items.”

Wellspring staff will distribute the shoes to foster children at other Wellspring locations where the shoes are needed including Oak Park, Detroit, East Lansing, Kentwood, Bay City and Gaylord