Lace Up for Kids 2026
All school-age children from low-income families, grades K-12, in Hancock, Brooke, Ohio, Marshall, Wetzel, Tyler Counties in WV, and Belmont County, OH, are eligible to receive a voucher that can be redeemed at several Shoe Department locations toward shoes just in time for the new school year!
Covestro, EQT, West Virginia Northern Community College, The Sonneborn Foundation, WTOV9, and United Way have partnered to help children in school get new shoes for the new school year. Families can apply for each of their school-age children to get a new pair of sneakers if they live in the counties of Ohio, Marshall, Wetzel, Tyler & Brooke Counties in WV, and Belmont County, OH.
If you would like to help give children in need back-to-school shoes
Last year we were able to give out 1,800 pairs of shoes to children in need, thanks to generous donors like you!
Lace Up For Kids helps families in need to get a brand new pair of sneakers for their school-age children to start the new school year. The need is great, so donations are essential!
Monetary Donations can be sent to:
United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley
Attn: LUFK
1425 Chapline Street
Wheeling, WV 26003
Any Credit/Debit Card donations to the program can be made here.
For more information, learn how you can volunteer or donate money to charity to help your community or contact United Way UOV at 304-232-4625.
Required documents for application:
Parent/Guardian Photo ID on the day of Pick Up
Application Information
Deadline July 27, 2026, 12:00 PM
MUST HAVE TRANSPORTATION OR TRANSPORTATION ARRANGED FOR PICK UP TIME AND DAY – NO DROP OFFS
Valid and working email is required as all communication about applications and pick ups will be through email. A most recent report card or some proof on enrollment in a school program for the fall of 2026 is required for each child in the application.
Parents/Guardians will need to show proof of ID and address at time of pick up. Please note the child(ren) will NOT need to be present for voucher pick up but WILL need to be present to redeem the voucher in store.
APPLY FOR LACE UP FOR KIDS 2026 HERE
Dates and Locations for Pick Up
Each county will have its own specific date and location for pickup, announced at a later date. Check back for any updates. The United Way will send emails to all those accepted once applications are closed to confirm pick-up dates and locations. Check back here for updated information regarding your county pick-up day.
Hancock County – TBD
Brooke County – August 5th, Time TBD @ Brooke County Public Library Wellsburg Branch
Ohio County – TBD
Marshall County – August 4th, Time TBD @ Marshall County Chamber of Commerce
Wetzel County – TBD
Tyler County – August 12th, Time TBD @ Sistersville Church of Christ
Belmont County – August 11th, Time TBD @ Ohio Valley Mall Community Room
Thank you to our Sponsors:
The Sonneborn Foundation
