Living Green

Shoes For A Cause

By Jenny Farley

How may pairs of shoes do you have? Seriously, take an minute and go count them.

The day I sat down to write this article I cut my foot on a piece of broken glass in my basement. I was barefoot and the cut was bad enough to require a band aid. Fortunately, I grabbed a stray flip flop and put it on before dragging my wound up two flights of stairs. For most of us, choosing a pair of shoes depends on whether or not it goes with our outfit or is sturdy enough to support us at work or on a run. Some people go barefoot and walk through broken glass everyday because they don’t have a choice. They don’t own a single pair of shoes.

Soles4Souls works throughout the world to put shoes on the feet of those who need them, one pair at a time. The group helps people by conducting shoe drives and accepting donations.

You can donate all types of very gently worn or new shoes, or go to the website and buy a pair of flip flops or clogs for ten dollars. The organization will make sure the shoes get to the right people.

We’re starting to get into the season of giving and chances are you are already getting requests for donations. Although it seems like the economy is getting slightly better, many people are still struggling and can’t donate money right now. But if you’re able, just think about your feet and how comfy and protected they are in your shoes. And then try to walk in someone else’s.

For donation sites and to learn more about how you can help go to www.soles4souls.com