The Traverse City-based, Northern Michigan non-profit Father Fred Foundation is seeking donations of $20 to help send Northern Michigan kids back to school in brand new shoes this fall. Every $20 donated between now and Labor Day enables Father Fred to provide one child with a pair of brand new back-to-school shoes. Donations can be made online via Father Fred’s website at FatherFred.org, or in person at The Father Fred Foundation, 826 Hastings, in Traverse City.

“What’s so lovely about this program is not only are we, as a community, helping with a fundamental need for our children, but also giving them such pride and joy. We all remember the feeling we had walking into school on the first day with brand new shoes. It’s irreplaceable,” says Rosemary Hagan, executive director of The Father Fred Foundation. “At the same time, we’re also providing financial relief to the parents of these children—families already living on a tight budget—at a time of year when back-to-school expenses mount.”

Beginning August 19th and running through September 5th, eligible local families in need may come to Father Fred to request a $20 voucher for each school-age child. Some restrictions may apply.

In 2013, The Father Fred Foundation provided brand new back-to-school shoes to 750 local school-age children, at a cost of nearly $15,000.

For more information about The Father Fred Foundation, please visit FatherFred.org or call 231.947.2055.


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