Did you look in your closet this morning and have a hard time deciding which shoes to wear? Then maybe you have a pair to spare!

During the month of October the kids at our neighborhood school, Canfield Elementary, are supporting Soles4Souls. This is a charity that collects gently worn shoes and distributes them to people in need, regardless of race, religion, class, or any other criteria. Just drop off any size or style shoes in the bins at the front of school anytime during the month of October.

The “Shoe Crew,” a small group of fourth graders, got together to make signs and spread the word. In an effort to help others and develop a sense of volunteerism, they are spear heading this community effort. At the end of the month, they will help deliver all the shoes that are collected to the Soles4Souls warehouse in Fontana for distribution.

Since 2005, Soles4Souls has given away over 14 million pairs of new and gently worn shoes (currently donating one pair every 7 seconds.) The shoes have been distributed to people in over 127 countries, including Kenya, Thailand, Nepal and the United States.

In addition to Canfield’s collection, you can also support Soles4Souls via these opportunities:

• California Footwear will donate a portion of all shoe sales.
• Buy a copy of  ”God Save My Shoes” (the first documentary that explores women’s intimate relationship with their shoes) and they will donate a $1.00.
• Organize a Soles4Souls shoe drive at your office, school, Temple, Church etc. 

So don’t wait for another disaster like Katrina or a Tsunami to happen. Donate now! Unfortunately, people around the world are constantly in need of shoes. And if you’re anything like me, you have an extra pair of sneakers or black flats laying around. Do you know of any other charities that we can support in our neighborhood without writing a check? Please share them with me.