A community organization is asking citizens to help local children get ready for the school year in style.

Enlightened Minds Mentoring is accepting donations for its Back to School Sneaker Drive. Footlocker, Footaction and Champs gift cards will be accepted, along with monetary donations, until Aug. 24.

Donations will then be used to take Enlightened Minds children shopping for new sneakers under $100 per pair to help their families.

“Not only will it benefit parents that are struggling with clothes for their kids, but it will improve the child’s self-esteem,” said program coordinator Albert Hill. “They can come into the school year more confident.”

Enlightened Minds volunteers mentor youth on how to avoid bad situations, make good choices and succeed.

“Our mission is to change the paradigm of the youth in our community,” Hill said. “We want to empower them with the knowledge and understanding that they can do better than their surroundings. We believe that to know better is to do better.”

These children are prepared for life both in and out of school through appropriate behavior, associations, focus and respect for authority figures.

“These four things are practiced on a daily basis,” Hill said. “It improves their grades and their behavior, not only in school but in the community, as well.”

Children can be ridiculed for what they wear, especially as the start of a new school year. This is another step for them to build confidence in themselves.

“When you have some decent apparel on, you feel better about yourself, and the more confidence you have increases your ability to accomplish more,” Hill said.

Donations can be mailed to 112 W. Washington St., Suite 406, Suffolk, VA 23434, or call 286-2672.