Another Way to Help the Survivors of the Earthquake in Haiti: Donate Shoes

There are many reputable charities to donate to if you would like to contribute in some way to the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. Many people fear that any money they donate will not reach the intended party, which is why many feel more comfortable donating their time or personal effects. I recently received an email at work for a program our company is participating in that I thought sounded unique for any school or professional group to try in lieu of money. The name of the organization that runs the program is called Soles2Souls. What the company does is collects new or gently used shoes to donate to those in need. The idea came after the 2004 Tsunami that ravaged southeast Asia and Wayne Elsey, the founder and CEO of the charity worked in the footwear industry (he formerly worked for Stride Rite and was CEO of Nautilus Footwear) and was trying to think of a unique way to help. The organization has since helped after Katrina in New Orleans, and as of 2008 serves up to 70 countries.

The venture is a win-win situation as it allows stores to dump their excess stock and receive a tax write off, and the people in need get new shoes. They will be placing containers in Los Angeles, San Jose, Ft. Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Melbourne, Orlando, St. Petersburg, Atlanta, New York City, Baltimore, Nashville, Dallas, Houston, and Charlotte at Suddath Relocation Systems in order to collect more shoes.

So far Havianas has donated 7,000 pairs of flip flops, Sport Chalet plans on sending 100,000 pairs, and various small boutiques, scout troops, and schools all over the country are holding private donation collections in order to assist the company. Soles4Souls accepts all types of shoes: athletic, running, dress, sandals, pumps, heels, work boots, cleats, dance, flip flops, just as long as they are new or gent

You can help by hosting a shoe drive at your place of employment, with your township church/synagogue, school, or organization, and shipping them to the company in Nashville. More information on how you can get involved can be found here: http://www.soles4souls.org/get_involved/shoe_drive.html

Sources: http://www.tennessean.com/article/20091220/NEWS01/912200372/Soles4Souls-helps-millions-while-enriching-its-leader
http://www.apparelnews.net/news/international/012110-Industry-Continues-to-Send-Aid-to-Haiti
http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9D72A981.htm