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Blue Spruce Kiwanis Club Collects Over 30,000 Pairs of Shoes

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For three consecutive years, the Blue Spruce Kiwanis Club of Evergreen, Colorado has completed a Ten2Give drive, in total collecting over 30,000 pairs of shoes for Soles4Souls. The on-going shoe drive has been a major effort for the Evergreen Mountain community, involving the elementary schools, Key Club students in high school, thrift stores, banks, and other local businesses.

“Blue Spruce Kiwanis has become known as the Shoe Club! I personally have become known as the Shoe Lady,” said Kristy Tolan, President. 

The Soles4Souls’ Ten2Give a program is designed to encourage volunteers to participate in both parts of our mission by hosting a shoe drive to impact the lives of people around the globe and in their local community. When an individual or group collects 10,000 pairs of used shoes, they help create sustainable job opportunities in developing nations. Once the drive is complete, the group chooses a local non-profit and works with Soles4Souls to organize a free distribution of brand new shoes to those in their community!  

Initially the club set out to do the drive so they could give back to families in need in their own community, particularly through a local food bank. That first service project turned into an on-going initiative for the club, and they don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.

“It is an absolute pleasure to work alongside the Blue Spruce Kiwanis Club of Evergreen, Colorado. Lead by President Kristy Tolan, BSK has dedicated their club’s mission to providing for others. I am in awe and in gratitude for their service and the highest level of passion and energy towards Soles4Souls,” said Emory Dinner, Director of Colorado Operations.

With plans to distribute new shoes around the holidays this year, the club plans to continue their efforts in collecting. If you’re in Colorado and want to participate, you can learn more about their drive here.

“I love the fact that I can keep the shoes out of the landfill and I get to help families around the world while doing so,” said Kristy.

The 30,000 pairs Blue Spruce Kiwanis Club has collected equates to keeping 37,500 pounds of textiles out of landfills, and provides a full year of food, shelter, and education for 43 families.

To start your own shoe drive, register here.