Volunteers drop off thousands of shoes to Collier County middle schoolers

NAPLES, Fla. (WINK)— Volunteers from Laces of Love dropped off more than a dozen bags full of shoes to guidance counselors at middle schools across Collier County.

The shoes will be distributed to students based on need. Laces of Love says they've received more than 10,000 pairs of shoes that will be distributed this week alone.

"For school you need a really good pair of shoes and it makes such a difference, a tremendous difference in their life," said Jeanne Nealon, founder and president of Laces of Love.

Nealon said the organization has received notes from high school students who were able to participate in sports for the first time because of new shoes.

"We'll get a high school child write us a note saying I've never been able to run for Lely High School before but I have a brand new pair of track shoes and the coach says they become winners," Nealon said. "It's just make an amazing difference in their lives to have a new pair of shoes."

Allison Mesa, a school counselor at Golden Gate Middle School, said the donation helps students focus on what matters most.

"It's overwhelming in the best way because there's such a need for it," Mesa said. "You know a lot of our students, that's one less thing they have to worry about so they can focus on school, social, just things kids should be focusing on."

Collier County Schools says if you know a child in need of shoes, you can contact your school's counselors directly.