The Jacob S. Zweig Foundation, Inc. was formed in honor of the life of Jacob S. Zweig who was tragically killed at the age of seventeen on November 15, 2008. Jacob touched and inspired many people, volunteering as a Soccer Buddy for children with special needs and making friends across the globe. It was clear early on that Jacob had a natural gift for making everyone, regardless of ability, feel accepted, loved and part of a group.

To honor Jacob’s legacy, his family and friends wanted to support local organizations and continue Jacob’s way of treating others with dignity and inclusion. Formed in 2009, the Foundation, known as In Jacob’s Shoes®, honors the love and encouragement Jacob gave to all who knew him and will strive to continue Jacob’s way of making a difference in the lives of others. His smile, his hugs and his huge heart will never be forgotten.

For all who love Jacob, we will continue to live by his mantra: “Ask not for lesser burdens, but for broader shoulders.”

In Jacob’s Shoes®, is a 501(c)(3) public charity located in South Florida which provides children in need the opportunity to walk with pride, and go to school and play sports with dignity. In Jacob’s Shoes® provides new and gently used shoes, socks, backpacks, school supplies and athletic gear to local children and families in need living in South Florida.

How We Do It

Sadly, there are children in South Florida living in poverty who have truancy issues or are teased because their shoes are old, dirty or torn. There are children in our schools who are wearing shoes that do not fit, or have soles that are detached or missing. Some are removed from their homes because of abuse or neglect and are then taken to a shelter to be “processed,” with little clothing and few personal belongings. Many will not get a new pair of shoes for back-to-school or will not be able to play sports because they do not have the right pair of shoes. It is difficult to believe that these tragic scenarios exist today, but for the nearly 20% of children in South Florida who live in poverty and the thousands more who live in foster care, some of these stories are only too familiar.

Since 2009, In Jacob’s Shoes® has been addressing these issues and has provided over 228,288 pairs of new and refurbished shoes, 60,398 pairs of socks, and 11,720 backpacks complete with school supplies for children in need living in Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade Counties. These children live in poverty, are homeless, or live in shelters. Some live in foster care or have “aged-out” of foster care. All are in need.

We purchase thousands of pairs of new shoes each year and also receive in-kind donations of new and gently worn shoes from the community, businesses, schools and volunteers. Volunteers assist in collecting, sorting, cleaning and restoring the gently worn shoes to pristine condition.

The shoes, socks, backpacks and school supplies are distributed to children in need on a year round basis via requests made by schools, shelters, charities and social service organizations and agencies which have pre-qualified the children and families. The process is fast, efficient and anonymous, saving the child from unnecessary embarrassment.

In July and August each year, In Jacob’s Shoes® also distributes thousands of pairs of new and refurbished shoes to local children in need at community and agency sponsored back-to-school events. These events are empowering for the children as they get to “shop” and choose their shoes for the new school year.

“The right pair of shoes can change a child’s life.”

With much gratitude and love,

The Zweig Family