Decades before Pastor Deante Lavender and his wife, Pastor Lesa Lavender, launched The Remedy Church in Akron, he lived in Cleveland shelters with his mother, who was working through her addictions.
Before he had an opportunity to say his name in school, some people judged his image and appearance, actions that can negatively impact a child’s confidence.
These experiences fuel his philanthropic efforts. On Saturday, the Lavenders hosted the fifth annual Back to School Shoe Giveaway at North High School — where they lead their congregation’s Sunday morning services. Volunteers distributed approximately 1,400 pairs of free shoes.
New Balance. Nike. Converse. Vans. Puma. Brooks. Skechers. Adidas and other brands. Meanwhile, other supporters offered free haircuts, hot dogs, popsicles and community resources.
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While the shoes are the big draw, Deante Lavender, a product of Cleveland’s Martin Luther King Jr. High School and Berea’s Baldwin Wallace University, said confidence is the primary benefit. The event aimed to relieve financial stress on parents and caregivers. He doesn’t want them to have to decide between buying new shoes or putting groceries on the table.
“It’s not my job to say who has and who doesn’t have,” said Lavender, 36, a father of three. “It’s just our job to try to serve those who are in need.”
During the shoe giveaway’s first year, Lavender’s congregation provided as many as 600 pairs of shoes. John Luck, the president of Fairlawn’s Lucky Shoes, donated an additional 600 pairs.
Year two: NBA forward Darius Bazley, who grew up near Cincinnati, sent hundreds of shoes through his relationship with New Balance.
The Huntington Akron Foundation has since become an event sponsor, and Famous Footwear provides discounted shoes. First Congregational Church of Hudson and The House of the Lord in Akron offer funding and volunteers.
“What we’re trying to do is mitigate any person going to school with low confidence and feeling as if they’re not up to par,” Lavender said, “or that they have less than the next person.”
