Soles4Souls
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Shoes Distributed at House of Charity in Minneapolis
There is an old saying, "You never know a person until you walk a day in their shoes." So, what if those shoes are worn-through, or held together by tape?
On Wednesday, June 2nd, House of Charity hosted a shoe giveaway sponsored by the nonprofit organization Soles4Souls. For the event, Soles4Souls delivered 750 pair of shoes to the Food Centre for distribution. Nearly 550 pairs were given away to individuals in need. When asked about the mission of Soles4Souls, Executive Vice President David Graben shared, "Our mission statement is changing the world, one pair at a time. Very simply, these people are on their feet all day. They need a good new pair of shoes. We can provide that. If they can't walk because of bad shoes, or no shoes, how can they get to come have a great meal like the one you are serving? This is what we do, and we love coming to places like this to give the gift to those who need it."
To provide individual assistance and make sure that each person received the correct size, guests were welcomed into the Food Centre building 15 at a time to select and try on a pair of shoes or boots. HOC Executive Director Bert Winkel was working the inside line, and commented on the experience. "It was interesting how some people would simply ask for a size 10, then walk out with the boots, whereas others would take the time to sit down and try on the pair. The really telling part is how many individuals left their old shoes in the trash can and walked out in the pair they just received. That is a good indication of the impact."
Comments made by one recipient underscored the value of the giveaway: "I have had these shoes 5 months...look at 'em...they're done. Now I got a new pair of boots. Maybe they can last me 6-7 months. I mean, I get around on these feet."
From House of Charity Newsletter
