British R&B star and area resident Mark Morrison really cares about what kids wear on their feet. On July 25, Morrison took 33 underprivileged children from the local nonprofit Student & Athlete Mentoring Program (STAMP) shoe shopping for the new school year at the Mall at Wellington Green.
Famous for his hit song “Return of the Mack,” Morrison knows going back to school is difficult for many students, especially those lacking resources. Childhood memories of being teased for wearing what the kids called “cheap shoes” have stayed with him. He empathizes with youth who may face similar situations due to their financial circumstances.
“I can still remember the kids calling my shoes cheap. I didn’t care until they started teasing me,” Morrison said. “I don’t think any kid should have to go through that, and I will do my part to make sure that does not happen.”
Morrison’s shoe donation directly helps STAMP’s Prepped, Pressed & Dressed for School program, which sends 200 students back to school with three new uniforms, shoes and school supplies, as well as haircuts for the boys, and hair salon visits for the girls.
“All summer long, we prepare the kids for their academic success, so when they get back to school, they can keep up with their work,” said Mark Brown, founder of STAMP. “Now we have to make sure they are all pressed up and dressed for school.”
To make a donation to STAMP’s Prepped, Pressed & Dressed for School program, visit its GoFundMe page.
Located in West Palm Beach, STAMP is a nonprofit organization founded in 2009 to empower student-athletes to achieve better math, reading, test taking and athletic skills. Its mission is to increase high school graduation rates, create and support dreams of becoming college athletes, and promote good citizenship among area youth.
For more information, visit www.stampmentoring.org.
