Pairs Donated, and Counting.
Turning Sneakers into Support
Lace Up for Kids recycles gently used shoes and transforms them into hope for families staying at Ronald McDonald House.
What We Do
Lace Up for Kids is a teen-led nonprofit that transforms gently used shoes into meaningful support for families. We collect shoes that would otherwise end up in landfills, partner with organizations to trade them for funds, and donate 100% of the net proceeds to Ronald McDonald House of Connecticut and Massachusetts.
Collect Shoes
We gather gently used shoes from our community that would otherwise be thrown away.
Trade for Funds
Partner organizations purchase our collected shoes, generating revenue for our cause.
Support Families
All net proceeds go directly to Ronald McDonald House of Connecticut and Massachusetts to help families in need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about how we work or how to get involved? Find answers to common questions below.
100% of net proceeds go directly to RMH CTMA. All operational costs are covered separately.
We partner with reputable organizations that purchase our collected shoes. The funds generated from these partnerships are then donated to RMH CTMA, which directly supports families staying at their facilities.
Lace Up For Kids is in the process of accepting tax-deductible donations, we'd love your donation in the meantime!
We accept gently used shoes that are still in wearable condition. Shoes should be clean and free of significant damage.
The box at Guilford Racquet & Swim Club is available the hours that their establishment is open, visit their site to learn more. Anyone is welcome to donate regardless of membership status. The First Congregational Church's box is in the basement, it's available during their available hours, most easily accesible on Sunday mornings.
Collected shoes are sorted, organized, and then sold to partner organizations. The revenue generated from these sales is donated to RMH CTMA to support families.
We track the number of pairs collected and the funds generated. We're transparent about our progress and share updates on our impact through our website and social media.
Lace Up for Kids is led by passionate high school students from Guilford, Connecticut, including Shane Tandler (Founder), Pierson Schlagheck (Chief Marketing Officer), and Conor Farrell (Chief Operating Officer), along with our dedicated crew members.
Monetary donations can be made through our Square checkout link by clicking on the 'Donate' buttons. All monetary donations go directly to RMH CTMA.
We're a teen-led organization that combines environmental sustainability (keeping shoes out of landfills) with direct community impact (supporting families at RMH CTMA). 100% of net proceeds go directly to the cause.
This is dependent on volume, but donations are likely to be collected on a twice-weekly or weekly basis.
We can accept most sneakers in serviceable condition, but we ask you to not donate dress shoes or athletic cleats.
Yes, we welcome partnerships with businesses, schools, and organizations. Please contact us at laceupforkidsct@gmail.com to discuss partnership opportunities.
Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and check our website for regular updates on collections, events, and the impact we're making together.