This year would’ve marked Marco Shemwell’s first playing in Upward 40391.

His older brother, Maximo, has played in Upward 40391, a nonprofit Christian sports league, since it started a few years ago, and his father, Ben, started coaching last year.

“Marco never got a chance,” his mother Liz Shemwell said.

On Sept. 15, 2018, the 4-year-old was crossing the street with his family when he was struck by a car. Marco died two days later.

The Shemwell family has since made it their mission to give back to the community in Marco’s name.

Liz and Ben Shemwell established The Marco Shemwell Foundation, which partners with other organizations and individuals to create positive change.

The hashtag #MarcoMoments has been used widely across social media along with depictions of good deeds done to help others.

In July and August, the foundation received donations, packed and delivered Birthday Boxes for children in need as part of a month-long #MarcoMonday challenge.

Liz said the family has a history of participating in Upward. So when Upward season was approaching this year, she and her husband remembered a lot of the kids who played in Upward had an opportunity for scholarships to cover registration and a jersey. But the assistance doesn’t help with other gear such as shoes and shorts, Liz said.

“We noticed a lot of kids playing in nonathletic shoes… some we’re even playing in jeans and boots,” she said. “We thought there’s probably a ton of kids in Upward that could benefit from a shoe drive.”

So this year, the Marco Shemwell Foundation challenged the community to give back by donating shoes to children in need.

The foundation has partnered with Upward 40391 to set up a shoe drive for underprivileged children. Liz said nearly half of the children involved in Upward 40391 need financial assistance to participate.

“We talked to them about the shoe drive, and found there’s a need for it,” Liz said.

Liz said the foundation wants every kid in the community to have access to play, regardless of ability to pay, and that includes access to a basic need: shoes.

The shoe drive began last Saturday at First Church of God and will continue this Saturday. So far, Liz said about 30 pairs of shoes have been donated.

“We’re hoping to get a lot this weekend,” Liz said.

Liz said she invites the community to bring gently used or new athletic shoes to Upward 40391 evaluations from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. There are four locations: For first through fourth graders, go to Calvary Christian Church; for fifth through 12th graders, go to First Baptist Church, 37 N. Highland St., or Christ Church Winchester on Iron Works Road. For preschoolers and kindergarteners, go to Christview Christian Church, 3133 Boonesboro Road.

Saturday marks the last day to register for Upward 40391. People can register online but must go to the evaluation, which takes about 20 minutes. Players must attend one session only. Once players arrive at the evaluation, the player will go through various drills so coaches can evaluate each player.

“Upward is a great opportunity for kids to be in a positive environment,” Liz said. “That’s why we love it so much. It’s the community at its best.”

Liz said the foundation needs boys and girls shoes, ranging in sizes for children in preschool through high school.

“Every kid who wants to play a sport should have an opportunity,” Liz said. “The fact they don’t have the right shoes or the right equipment shouldn’t prevent them from playing in Upward.”

For people who cannot make it to the shoe drive, they can visit marcoshemwellfoundation.org to donate, but be sure to include the keyword “shoes” in the notes. Liz said people could also ship shoes to The Marco Shemwell Foundation, 431 Lynnway Drive, Winchester, KY 40391.

Liz said, like the birthday boxes, the shoe drive has been a remarkable way to heal as a family and honor Marco. She recalled trying to keep Marco off the court when the family would watch Maximo play.

“Upward is something Marco wanted to participate in but wasn’t old enough,” she said. “So this is also an opportunity that gives us a chance to heal as a family.

“It means a lot to help a program that means so much to us.”