The Kicks for Xavier (#kicksforX) program started after the death of a man named Anthony Byrd’s son, Xavier, who was born with a rare genetic syndrome called Schinzel-Giedion Syndrome. Xavier was known for wearing unique shoes at Kennedy Krieger, an institute dedicated to improving the lives of children and young adults through care and research. The institute focuses on pediatric developmental disabilities and disorders of the brain, spinal cord and musculoskeletal system. Since Xavier’s passing in 2017, Kicks for Xavier has served to provide special needs patients at the Kennedy Krieger Institute with new shoes and socks, as they believe every child deserves cool shoes, just as Xavier had.
Archbishop Spalding High School began endorsing the drive in March, promoting that all students should donate as many new shoes in infant through teen/adult sizes, and new (preferably stylish) socks in all sizes, especially long socks to be used with braces. Donations were collected in bins found along many exits at Spalding with the ultimate goal of collecting 300 pairs of shoes and socks. When asked about his experience promoting the drive, Logan Bechtel ‘25 stated, “Organizing the shoe drive for charity at school was truly rewarding. Seeing the community’s generosity towards the cause filled me with pride and joy. We have collected more than 150 pairs of shoes and socks.”
Similarly, I think “it’s a wonderful effort and I admire Mr. Byrd for his selfless attitude. The thought of losing a son, and instead of wallowing in despair & grief, choosing to compassionately provide the program that aided his son with chic shoes and socks that could invigorate the kids, Mr. Byrd is a role model for us all. His actions don’t go unnoticed, and I’m sure the children will joyfully receive the shoes and socks.”
