Founders
Morrie Sayre
Our story began in 1969 with a simple act of generosity by Morrie Sayre, a local furniture manufacturer and salesman. After noticing children walking to school without suitable shoes, and meeting three boys who took turns attending school because they shared a single pair, Morrie knew he had to act. He began distributing shoes from the trunk of his car.
Known as “Mr. Shoes” in the community, Morrie enlisted the help of his friends and other supporters to fulfill the growing need, and Shoes for Kids was born. He proudly served as President and General Chairman for our first 28 years. In 1982, then-mayor George Voinovich declared Morrie Sayre Day. Morrie was also presented with a Key to the City in 1990.
Morrie believed that proper footwear was vital for kids to attend school and would give them a greater sense of confidence and well-being. He was absolutely right, and this guiding principle remains at the heart of our mission today. Though Morrie and his wife, Alice, have passed away, their son Don and his wife, Nancy, continue the family’s legacy.
"This is not a gift of charity. This is a gift of love.”
– Morrie Sayre, Founder
Irv Fine
When Irv Fine learned about Shoes for Kids from his friend, Morrie Sayre, he became an early and tireless supporter of the fledgling organization. Irv was engaged at every level, from handing out shoes in neighborhoods to raising awareness in the community. He especially loved helping kids pick out their own shoes and seeing the proud smiles
on their faces.
Irv seemed destined to become involved with Shoes and Clothes for Kids, as he met his wife, Gloria, selling shoes at Halle Brothers. The couple had two children, Amy and Randy, and helping others was a top priority for their family. Irv was a successful businessman who continually gave back to the community and served on numerous non-profit boards.
Irv passed away in 2016, but his wife, children, and grandchildren continue to carry out his legacy of service to others and remain actively involved in our important work.
vic gelb
International businessman and community leader, vic gelb, was also a friend of Morrie Sayre. When vic was invited to support Shoes for Kids, he stepped up in a big way, lending his time, energy, and vision to the organization as it grew and evolved over many decades.
Throughout his life, vic was guided by a deep passion for family, faith, and community. He was a respected leader of some of Cleveland’s most important Jewish organizations and inspired many people to lift up others around them. Shoes and Clothes for Kids named vic a Life Director in 2007, having benefitted greatly from his leadership, volunteerism, and enthusiasm.
While vic’s indomitable spirit and presence have been missed since his passing in 2018, we are deeply grateful that his wife, Joan, and the gelb family continue to support Shoes and Clothes for Kids in meaningful ways.
Allan Krulak
No one has served Shoes and Clothes for Kids longer or more steadfastly than Allan Krulak. Once Morrie Sayre introduced Allan to the organization, he became our ultimate fundraiser and friendraiser, never hesitating to reach out to friends and colleagues in Cleveland’s business, political, and philanthropic circles for support.
In recognition of Allan’s innumerable contributions, our Golden Shoe Award was renamed in his honor. Since 2013, the Allan C. Krulak Golden Shoe Award has been presented annually to a community leader for his or her commitment to improving and enriching the lives of children and families in Greater Cleveland.
Though Allan is now retired from Forest City Enterprises, where he served as Vice President-Director of Community Affairs, he remains actively engaged in Shoes and Clothes for Kids as Chairman Emeritus, faithfully attending board meetings, distributions, and events with his wife, Judy.
Alan Silverman
Shoes and Clothes for Kids would not be where we are today without Alan Silverman. As President of Silverman’s Discount Department Stores for 43 years, Alan saw that role as his opportunity to help families that struggled to provide for their children.
When Cleveland schools initiated uniform programs, Alan created Uniforms for Kids, a non-profit providing students with free uniforms. Uniforms for Kids merged with Shoes and Clothes for Kids, allowing us to serve children in a more meaningful way. Alan was a founding board member and treasurer of the Cleveland Kids in Need Resource Center, which eventually became a new Shoes and Clothes for Kids program to serve educators at under-resourced schools.
Alan is a board member and Life Director and is a past recipient of the Morrie Sayre Award for Outstanding Volunteerism. He and his wife, Tammy, continue to be generous supporters.
Visits to the Teacher Resource Center each year:
