We take a tremendous amount of pride in being part of the greater Dayton region. There are numerous reasons for this – with a major one being the sheer generosity and compassion so many of you show on a consistent basis.
The amount of support, volunteer hours, and resource donations our community members are always willing to give is amazing.
A great example of this is seen in an outstanding organization we are more than happy to support – Shoes 4 the Shoeless.
If you are unfamiliar with Shoes 4 the Shoeless, this local, nonprofit organization collects and distributes new children’s gym shoes and socks to disadvantaged children from across our communities.
Founded in 2010, the organization—along with hundreds of donors and volunteers!—has been able to deliver well over 50,000 pairs of shoes and socks to thousands of Dayton area children who were in need of them.
For those of us who aren’t in need, it’s easy to look past what it means to simply have a decent pair of footwear.
Yes, shoes certainly play an important role in being able to have optimal foot health, but they are also one of the most visible stigmas of poverty.
Children—who are not responsible for their family’s financial misfortune—are easily embarrassed and made fun of when they have shoes that are falling apart.
That is an incredibly sad situation – one Shoes 4 the Shoeless is seeking to address.
In addition to social stigmas, we support this program because children should wear shoes that fit well and are structurally supportive. Physical activity is so important at every stage of human life, but especially during years. Active children are more likely to be active adults, and that is essential for overall health and wellbeing.
Shoes 4 the Shoeless also has other programs wherein they collect and distribute winter hats, underwear (“Brief Blessings”), and—in a partnership with Dayton Children’s Hospital—help children to make and deliver cards to patients in the hospital (“Kindness Matters”).
