October 3 is Student Count Day in Detroit. A headcount will be made of all the kids in school that day, and that figure will be used to determine state and federal funding. It will also earn free sneakers for every student who decides to show up.

According to CBS Detroit, local shoe seller Bob’s Classic Kicks has made a deal with the school district to help entice students into their seats, if only for the one, incredibly important day.

Kids in all grades who show up will get vouchers that can be turned in for a free pair of black leather Nike sneakers.

“[W]e decided since we’ve been in the community for eight years, we wanted to give back to the community, so why not do what we do best — which is shoes,” explained the store’s manager.

That giving back could add up to somewhere in the neighborhood of 17,000 pairs.

But the store’s manager says the cost isn’t the issue because “it’s about educating our kids.”

The CBS story has contact info for anyone wishing to help with the giveaway.

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.