Providing Shoes and Relief to Oregonians

Written on February 23, 2021.

HOW NEW SHOES HELP DURING TOUGH TIMES

Whether helping frontline healthcare workers during the pandemic, communities impacted by the tragic wildfires, families experiencing increasing levels of poverty, this past year, Soles4Souls Oregon has been able to assist those who need it most, by providing relief through one of the most basic essentials—a new pair of shoes.

Thanks to some very meaningful partnerships and the help of our donors, we were able to distribute more than 5,000 pairs of brand new shoes to people in need right here in the state of Oregon.

4THEFRONTLINES

COVID-19 has affected every one of us, but among the people most devastated by the pandemic are those working in healthcare facilities: housekeeping staff, nurses, receptionists, physicians, food service staff, administrators, lab technicians… the list is endless.

Through our 4theFrontlines program and thanks to our partnership with Reebok, we were able to provide 1,000 pairs of new shoes to frontline workers right here in the Portland Metro and Salem area. These shoes provide safety, comfort, and help relieve an economic burden for so many who are not immune to the financial consequences of the pandemic.

“Oh wow! Our staff and volunteers have been so blessed by the Reebok Shoe Donation. There is story after story of people who needed a new pair of shoes for work and didn’t have the means or the time to get a new pair.” – Trina Fowler, Salem Free Clinics

Healthcare workers throughout the Pacific Northwest giving thanks for their new shoes.

DISASTER RELIEF-2020 WILDFIRES

This summer, wildfires burned more than 1 million acres in the state of Oregon. As a result, more than 4,000 homes were lost, leaving many families with nothing.

During times of disaster, new shoes and clothing are an immediate need. Soles4Souls was able to provide new shoes and socks through our partnership with United Way of Jackson County to help serve families impacted by the Almeda fire in southern Oregon. More than 1,800 pairs of new Skechers shoes and BOMBAS socks were distributed in the Medford area.

“Our event was yesterday and it was remarkably overwhelming both in sorrow and gratitude. The tears were both proving joy and sorrow live next to each other in our hearts. It is heavy work and made lighter by you all! Thank you again!” -Dee Anne Everson, CEO, United Way of Jackson County

Children in Jackson County, whose families were impacted by the wildfires of 2020, receiving new shoes.

4EVERYKID

More than 1.5 million children in the United States are homeless. That’s the highest rate of youth homelessness in our country ever. Given the economic hardship created by COVID-19, many more kids are about to experience homelessness for the first time.

At Soles4Souls, we believe no child should have to feel embarrassed, discouraged, or left out simply because they lack something most of us take for granted. Having a new pair of shoes restores a sense of normalcy in their life.

Our recent collaboration with Foot Locker kickstarted our 4EveryKid program benefitting public school students facing homelessness. This fall, the shoe retailer provided Soles4Souls with 15,000 pairs of new shoes to be distributed in more than a dozen cities in the United States, including 500 pairs for Portland Public Schools, McKinney-Vento Homeless Program.

“They mean that I can go anywhere, feel confident, AND be comfortable.” -14-year-old student, Portland, OR

“I always wanted Fila shoes” -8-year-old student, Portland, OR

“I like them very much, I need them. Thank you.” -16-year-old student, Portland, OR

Portland Public School Staff receives new shoes from Foot Locker and Soles4Souls.

SHARE THE WARMTH

Soles4Souls also provides clothing through our clothing division, Clothes4Souls, and since 2013, our Share the Warmth campaign with Macy’s has kept more than 235,000 people in need in the United States warm during the cold season.

One partner here in the Pacific Northwest who has helped us reach those most in need since our campaign began is Rose Haven Day Shelter for Women and Children, in Portland, OR. This past November, their team spent two days distributing 500 brand new coats to women and children at their outdoor, socially distanced coat distribution events.

One woman told Rose Haven that this annual event is the only way she’s able to provide her child with a new coat.