Hundreds of Detroit kids just lost out on fresh kicks after thieves cleaned out a stash of brand-new sneakers meant for a big summer giveaway, according to the nonprofit Northwest Goldberg Cares. About 400 pairs were taken from a storage site this week, cutting into the group’s plan to hand out 1,000 pairs at a city event and leaving organizers with only roughly 500 to 600 pairs as they scramble for replacements.
Nonprofit Finds Storage Site Ransacked
Staffers knew something was off the moment they walked into the warehouse, founder Daniel Washington told ClickOnDetroit. Boxes had been shifted around and, more importantly, a lot of the shoes were simply gone. “When I came in today, I immediately recognized shoes were missing,” Washington said, adding that the discovery “hits you in the gut.”
HoopFest Giveaway Put in Jeopardy
The shoes were supposed to be the star of HoopFest, Northwest Goldberg Cares’ signature youth giveaway that ties into Mayor Mary Sheffield’s “Occupy the Summer” programming. As outlined by the City of Detroit, the series includes a HOOPFEST activation with Northwest Goldberg Cares at Curtis Jones Park on July 19. Organizers had been gearing up for this year’s drop to be the biggest in the event’s four-year history, a milestone now suddenly in doubt.
Name-Brand Kicks Vanish as Police Investigate
The haul was not just any pile of sneakers. According to ClickOnDetroit, the missing shoes included Nike pairs, Adidas Sambas, and roughly 60 pairs provided by USA Basketball, with about 50 of those reported stolen. Detroit police are investigating, and Washington told the outlet the theft could keep the nonprofit from hitting its 1,000-pair goal for the kids.
Community Asked To Help Fill the Gap
In response, Northwest Goldberg Cares is turning to the neighborhood for help. The group has asked residents to flag any listings or street sales of brand-new shoes that match the stolen styles and colors, and it is also seeking community donations to restock the shelves. Supporters can find ways to give and follow updates on the nonprofit’s website and social channels, according to NW Goldberg Cares.
Despite the setback, Washington said organizers still plan to press ahead with HoopFest and “try to bounce back” so children can walk away with new shoes this summer. The group says tips to police and even small donations could help close the gap in time for the event.
