Our Story

Shoes and Clothes for Kids (SC4K) has helped Cuyahoga County children for 55 years. We provide new shoes, clothes, and school supplies through schools, partners, and directly to families at the Community Resource Center. SC4K is the only nonprofit doing this year-round in Greater Cleveland.

How It All Began
Morrie Sayre started Shoes for Kids (now known as Shoes and Clothes for Kids) in 1969 after seeing three brothers share one pair of shoes to attend school. Shocked that such a simple item was preventing the children from getting an education, he dedicated his life to providing shoes and clothes to kids in need to boost their confidence and ensure school attendance.

Over 55 years later, our goal is the same: meeting children's basic needs to increase self-esteem, remove school attendance barriers, and improve academic performance.

Building on the Dream
In December 2023, SC4K moved to the Community Resource Center in Collinwood, adding direct family services and reconfirming Morrie's vision of getting items directly to children and families in need. The new, 14,000 square foot enabled SC4K to expand its capacity to impact struggling families in need througout Greater Cleveland, reaching more students, supporting more teachers, and connecting more families in need with life-transforming services.

At the Community Resource Center, families can get access to 14 other community partners, including the Greater Cleveland Food Bank's family choice market, educational and career development services, housing services, legal aid, and health care services through MetroHealth – creating a full support system for families in need. Our Direct Service Program, which launched in April of 2024, provides assistance to families referfed by the CRC and its partner organizations.

Through partnerships, volutneers, and the unwavering support of the community, SC4K distributes over $3.5 million worth of products to 28,000 kids in 281 schools and 48 communities each year.