'Kicks 4 Kids' provides shoes to young athletes

MEGAN DAVIS MCDONALD COUNTY PRESS/Southwest City's basketball teams are starting the season off on the right foot (and in the right shoes) thanks to a local program, Kicks 4 Kids.
MEGAN DAVIS MCDONALD COUNTY PRESS/Southwest City's basketball teams are starting the season off on the right foot (and in the right shoes) thanks to a local program, Kicks 4 Kids.

Southwest City recently came together to provide new, high-quality shoes to the school's basketball teams through a local program, Kicks for Kids.

Kicks for Kids was formed last year when J.R. Morgan and Larry Vancuren noticed a number of players in shoes past their prime. Morgan said some of the children were slipping on the court due to poor traction.

The two community members put their heads together and decided to raise funds from local businesses to ensure that players had the equipment needed to play their best.

Last month, the program was able to purchase and distribute 24 pairs of athletic shoes and socks to the fifth- and sixth-grade teams.

As soon as they arrived, players were anxious to try them on.

"These feel like Christmas! It's completely different," said Esmeralda Fuentes, after lacing up her new shoes.

Aleigha Morales was especially excited about the color-coordination of the shoes, socks and uniforms.

"Matching socks? Finally! I'm so excited!" she said.

Special thanks goes to the Southwest City Full Gospel Church, Dave's Supermarket, Wetzel Tank, Main Street Lumber, Cornerstone Bank, Southwest City Station, First Baptist Church - Southwest, Southwest City United Methodist Church, Cowboy Church, Cornerstone Insurance, and Farm Bureau Insurance for their contributions to the success of Kicks for Kids this season.

"Our community is great," noted Morgan. "They are always so quick to help in any way they can."

General News on 11/23/2017