A community program five years in the making — and still growing.
At Brown’s Shoe Fit Co., our motto is “With You Every Step.” For Jimmie Koller, owner of our Macomb, Illinois location, that phrase isn’t just something printed on a bag. It’s a way of life — and nowhere is that more evident than in the Kicks for Kids program he created nearly five years ago.
This spring, thanks to a partnership between Brown’s Shoe Fit Macomb and the Rotary of Macomb (Noon Rotary), 55 students across Lincoln and Edison Elementary Schools received brand new tennis shoes — properly fitted, carefully selected, and delivered with the same care Jimmie brings to every customer who walks through his door.
How It Started
The story of Kicks for Kids begins the way the best community programs often do — with one generous act that sparked something lasting.
Nearly five years ago, an anonymous donor walked into Brown’s Shoe Fit Macomb and handed Jimmie $2,000 with a simple request: buy shoes for kids in the community who need them. Jimmie got to work. Edison School Social Worker Chandler Adkisson identified students in grades K–5 who were in need of new shoes, and just like that, the program was off and running.
What started as a one-time gift has grown into a fully organized community initiative — now known as Kicks for Kids — with a dedicated funding structure, a growing list of supporters, and an even bigger vision for the future.
How It Works
The process is simple, personal, and exactly what you’d expect from a store built on proper fit.
Chandler Adkisson identifies students in grades K–5 at Lincoln and Edison who are in need of new shoes and passes their sizes along to Jimmie. From there, Jimmie selects shoes valued at up to $50 each — making sure each pair is the right fit for that specific child. When necessary, he measures students’ feet himself to make sure they’re getting exactly what they need. Once the shoes are chosen, he delivers the bundle to Adkisson for distribution.
It’s the same process Jimmie uses every day in his store. The only difference is that these kids aren’t customers — they’re members of his community, and he’s showing up for them the same way.
The Noon Rotary Partnership
In 2025, the program took a significant step forward when the Rotary of Macomb Club (Noon Rotary) formalized its support. The club agreed to contribute $500 each year for the next five years and to serve as the official repository for donations to the fund. The goal is to raise $2,000 or more each year to keep the program running and growing.
So far, the community has responded with incredible generosity — over $3,500 has already been raised, creating a surplus that ensures no identified student gets left out.
“The Noon Rotary of Macomb Club has been very instrumental in helping with the program. Community support has been fantastic, along with support from some of our great customers who patronize our store regularly.”
— Jimmie Koller, Owner, Brown’s Shoe Fit Macomb
What the School District Is Saying
The impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. The Macomb School District shared their gratitude publicly after this year’s distribution:
“We want to send a huge, heartfelt thank you to Jimmie and staff at Brown’s Shoe Fit of Macomb for making our students at Lincoln and Edison feel so special. Through Kicks for Kids, a partnership between Brown’s Shoe Fit of Macomb and the Rotary of Macomb Club, several students at Lincoln and Edison received brand new shoes. Thank you for your continued support of students in our district.”
— Macomb School District
What’s Next for Kicks for Kids
Jimmie’s vision for the program goes well beyond where it is today. The goal is to expand from K–5 all the way through middle school, and eventually reach high school students as well. Funding for that growth is already in motion.
On June 19th, Brown’s Shoe Fit Macomb will be hosting a golf outing at Gold Hills, with all proceeds going directly into the Kicks for Kids fund. If you’re in the area and want to support the cause — or just enjoy a round of golf for a great reason — mark your calendar.
How to Donate
Want to help put new shoes on a Macomb student’s feet? Donations are accepted by check, payable to the Rotary Club of Macomb. Include “Shoe Fund” in the memo line and mail to:
Rotary Club of Macomb
PO Box 213
Macomb, IL 61455
Every dollar goes directly toward shoes for kids who need them.
With You Every Step
Programs like Kicks for Kids are a reminder of what locally owned businesses can do when they’re genuinely rooted in their communities. Jimmie Koller didn’t start this program for recognition. He started it because an opportunity appeared to do something good, and he took it — the same way his parents taught him to.
“My parents were very generous people and they instilled in me to help out when you can, so that’s what I try to do.”
— Jimmie Koller
That’s the spirit behind every Brown’s Shoe Fit Co. location. Whether we’re fitting your feet or showing up for your community, we mean it when we say we’re with you every step.
Why Buy Yours From Brown’s Shoe Fit Co.?
With 73 locally owned and operated locations across the Midwest, Brown’s Shoe Fit Co. has been a trusted name in footwear since 1911. Known for our personalized service and commitment to quality, Brown’s Shoe Fit is the go-to destination for comfortable, quality footwear for all ages. Each of our stores offers a footwear selection unique to the needs of our communities, with a knowledgeable staff trained to give every customer the best fit possible. To learn more about us, visit brownsshoefitco.com or find a store near you!
