Manley Joins NBA Star to Give Free Gym Shoes to Local Students

JOLIET, Ill. – State Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, joined former NBA player and Joliet native Arlando Tucker to give away shoes and backpacks to local kids.

Tucker, founder of the foundation, Arcitec, joined the Back2School Kicks Chicago, a coalition of organizers that bring new shoes to underserved neighborhoods.

“If you ever have a dream, keep dreaming big,” Tucker told a gymnasium full of students and their families at Joliet West High School. 

“Today is about community,” Tucker said, Tucker pointing to Manley and thanking her “for being a great example,” then told the students “this is a community showing up for you all.”

The coalition has given out over 2,000 new shoes and backpacks the past four years, Tucker said. 

“It is so impressive to see Arlando Tucker come from right here in Joliet and Lockport, then go on to the NBA, while never forgetting where he came from,” Manley said. “Now more than ever we need great role models, and Arlando fits the bill.”

Rush Darwish, co-founder of Back2School Kicks thanked the Community Retail Association and Athlete’s Foot for their donations. 

Several hundred people attended the event, including other area legislators and leaders. Students pre-registered and were called to in groups to get shoes and backpacks. Kids partied to DJ music and played basketball while they waited their turns.

“Every student should have the confidence they get from starting the year off with a fresh pair of shoes and a new backpack,” Manley said. “Groups like Back2School Kicks and Arcitec Foundation should be applauded for their willingness to help our students.”

Featured: NBA Star, and local legend Arlando Tucker, joined by State Rep. Natalie Manley, to give students free shoes and backpacks.