Marco Lutheran Donates to Laces of Love

Marco Lutheran has donated 142 pairs of sneakers and $6,340 to Laces of Love, a nonprofit that provides new shoes to low-income and disadvantaged children, many of whom live on Marco Island or in Collier County. Data derived from the Census Bureau estimates that 12% of children under 18 on Marco Island and 15.7% of children in Collier County live below the poverty line.

“A simple gift—shoes—brings with it a sense of dignity, confidence, and the pure joy any child deserves,” said Jeanne Nealon, president and co-founder of Laces of Love. “Each pair of shoes represents hope, love, and encouragement for these children. One young boy proudly laced up his new sneakers and whispered, ‘I finally feel like everybody else.’”

The Marco Lutheran congregation has supported Laces of Love for the past 11 years, helping supply local children with properly fitting athletic shoes. Shoes are distributed to local children through partner schools, including Tommie Barfield Elementary, Manatee Elementary and Middle Schools, the Marco Island Charter Middle and High Schools, and Lely High School. Donations included a range of sizes, from toddlers to teens. Monetary gifts help cover hard-to-find larger sizes—up to size 22.

Connie Wuellner, coordinator of the collection at Marco Lutheran said, “This drive is one way the church can support students’ day-to-day needs and help them feel confident at school. We’re honored to walk beside Laces of Love to help students put their best foot forward in shoes that fit!”