Central Texas man continues back-to-school shoe drive despite cancer diagnosis

TAYLOR, Texas - A Central Texas man who has helped provide hundreds of pairs of shoes to children in need is continuing his annual back-to-school mission despite undergoing cancer treatment.

Best Foot Forward Initiative helps local families

What we know:

Marcus Reese, of Taylor, is president of the Best Foot Forward Initiative, a nonprofit that provides new shoes to school-aged children in need across Central Texas.

Over the past three years, the initiative has provided more than 650 pairs of shoes at no cost to local families.

Reese said the idea began after he witnessed a father and daughter leave a sporting goods store without buying the shoes she wanted because the family could not afford them.

"It was kind of a gut check to me that not everyone can afford school shoes," Reese said. "So, the next day, that was motivation for me to start this initiative."

Reese also said his own childhood shaped his desire to help.

"I was a kid who couldn't afford this type of shoe," he said. "My family did the best they could do, and I was grateful for it. So, I always grew up admiring Adidas, Nike, and name-brand shoes."

The initiative accepts applications through its Facebook page. Families email completed applications, and Reese personally shops for the shoes before arranging pickup or delivery.

"It's done all anonymously," Reese said. "We don't take pictures with the families and when we have the shoes, they can either pick it up from my residence or we deliver it to them."

Cancer diagnosis brings new challenge

Local perspective:

This year's shoe drive comes as Reese undergoes treatment after being diagnosed with cancer.

While he said the illness has made the work more difficult, he remains committed to helping families before the school year begins.

"This year, though, I was diagnosed with cancer," Reese said. "My treatment and what that entails has made this year a little bit more of a challenge. I don't know what I'm going to feel like when I get into a store. Sometimes I get to a store and I have to leave."

Reese said the initiative has continued to assist families of all sizes, including some with multiple children needing new shoes.

"My job isn't to really go into the family and understand the dynamics," he said. "I just really want the kids on their first day to be confident and not be worried about if someone's looking at their sneakers."

Last week, Reese said he received a handwritten note from two children the initiative had previously helped. One of the children, who said they had battled leukemia twice, thanked Reese for providing the shoes.

How to apply for free school shoes

Dig deeper:

Families seeking assistance can apply through the Best Foot Forward Initiative's Facebook page by completing and emailing an application. There is no limit to the number of children a family can request assistance for.

People interested in supporting Reese during his cancer treatment can contribute through a GoFundMe established to help cover his medical expenses. Those who want to donate or volunteer with the Best Foot Forward Initiative can also find more information on the organization's Facebook page.