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Local Family Seeks Donations in Honor of Late Son to Benefit Kennedy Krieger Institute Patients
By Nicole Donnelly
A Linthicum family is collecting new shoes and socks in honor of their late son, Xavier, to donate to Kennedy Krieger Institute.
Xavier, known as X to those closest to him, had a rare genetic syndrome called Schinzel-Giedion Syndrome. While he couldn't walk, he was always recognized for his awesome footwear. It meant a lot to his family that people saw him as a kid with cool shoes, not a disabled child.
#kicksforX was started by his parents as a way to honor X after he passed away in 2017 and to give back to the Kennedy Krieger community that served their son and family well for so many years. The collection of shoes and socks benefit many children and young adults in a variety of programs at Kennedy Krieger and helps provide shoes for those at the facility who may have leg braces or other equipment that makes finding appropriate footwear difficult.
This year, on March 13, X would have turned 13 years old. To honor his 13th birthday, the family has a goal of collecting 1,300 pairs of shoes and socks.
Items are needed by March 11, 2022.
New shoes in infant through teen/adult sizes. (school aged (youth) sizes and wide widths have been requested by KKI)
New socks (the cooler the better!) in all sizes; especially long/knee high socks to be used with braces.
Please refrain from purchasing flip flops or sandals. (Crocs, slippers, slippers socks, and water shoes are welcome)
Tip: Shop the clearance section at stores while you're out. You can often find great deals on shoes that may not be your size, but can benefit this drive. Additionally, shop after holidays (Valentine's Day) for the best prices on novelty socks at places like Walmart!
The family can pick up donations, or you can email kicksforx@gmail.com for a shipping address. Alternatively, you can shop their Amazon wish list and have it sent directly to them.
Thank you for your support and please feel free to share this collection drive to help the family reach their goal.
Above: In 2021, the family collected and donated over 1,500 pairs of shoes and socks in honor of X's 12th birthday. Their goal was 1,200.