A Step Forward

Devastating events can occur in life, but it’s reassuring to discover that these senseless acts haven’t happened in vain. As a way of honoring the life and legacy of Jacob S. Zweig, tragically killed in 2008 at the age of 17, his family founded The Jacob S. Zweig Foundation, known as In Jacob’s Shoes, the following year to take on the important and much-needed work close to the teen’s heart.

“We have had tremendous help from our extended family and friends, and In Jacob’s Shoes always was, and remains, a grassroots charity,” says Harlene Zweig, Jacob’s mother. (Other family members are her husband, Murray, daughter, Alicia (Gross) and son, Zachary.) “Since COVID, the need for help has increased at least 10 to 20%.”   

To date, In Jacob’s Shoes has provided more than 200,000 pairs of new and refurbished shoes to children in need living in Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties. Whether they live in poverty, are homeless, live in shelters or foster care or have aged-out of foster care (and need shoes for work or job interviews), all are in need.

“About 75% of our shoes are donated by the community, including businesses, schools and volunteers (who collect, sort, clean, and restore the gently worn shoes to pristine condition. Twenty-five percent of our shoes are purchased,” Zweig explains. “And, we’re now distributing socks donated by Bombas®.”

One of the organization’s most popular events takes place in July, when it partners with the Spirit of Giving (a charity that organizes local charities) for the Back-to-School Bash in Delray Beach.

“Thousands of children attend and get shoes from our organization, as well as backpacks, school uniforms and school supplies from the other charities,” Zweig says. “It’s a one-stop event — we set up the area like a store and our volunteers act as personal shoppers who help the kids pick out their own shoes. The kids love it!”

The Deerfield Beach-based 501(c)(3) public charity also provides shoes for many other back-to-school events (like Broward County’s Christmas in July), has instituted dozens of “shoe closets” in Title 1 schools and in shelters and has partnered for years with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Police Athletic League (PAL) to provide kids with sneakers, cleats and other athletic gear.

“We find a home for every pair of wearable shoes,” Zweig says. “We do this 365 days a year.”

For more information, call 954-905-2505 or visit injacobsshoes.org.