Source: MLive.com
January 25, 2017
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Samera Christian, 11, smiled broadly when asked how she liked her new boots.
"I like them," she said, slowly removing her foot from under the table to show off her Sperry Top-Sider Saltwater Duck Boots. "I'd really like to say thank you.''
Samera and her two siblings were among 428 students at Grand Rapids Public Schools' Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Academy to receive boots and shoes on Tuesday, Jan. 24.
Wolverine Worldwide, a Rockford-based global marketer of branded footwear, is a partner with the Heart of West Michigan United Way. The two teamed up with GRPS to "live united in service," as part of a year-long celebration of United Way's 100th anniversary in Kent County
Samera, a sixth-grader, said she and her classmates were excited to learn they were getting new shoes.
"It was an amazing opportunity for every kid," said Principal Tricia Mathes, who expressed her gratitude for the generous donation. "Our students are incredibly excited and blessed."
Last month, the Grand Rapids School Board accepted the $10,500 donation.
Michael Bohnsack, director of community engagement for Wolverine and co-chair of the United Way campaign, said the corporation wanted to see what it could do to put together an inventory to be able to make a difference to support children.
In December, he said members of their staff came and sized each kid for shoes at the prekindergarten through eighth-grade school, located at 645 Logan St. SE. Students received a Stride Rite, Merrell or Sperry shoe.
"Wolverine Worldwide is committed to its customers and to its communities,'' Bohnsack said, adding they are able to do such volunteer activities because the company allows employees to give of their time throughout the year.
"We are very happy to be able to show how our company and employees live united in a way that supports these students with quality footwear."
Class after class streamed into the gymnasium on Tuesday, where 20 Wolverine employees, working in two shifts, walked them to a seat, got their designated shoes and let them try them on to make sure they fit.
"We are thankful to our friends at Wolverine Worldwide for starting 2017 with giving back,'' said United Way President and CEO Michelle Van Dyke.