Over 1,700 pairs of shoes collected!!
Continuing on our efforts to recycle materials we have and give to those who need them, in September and October 2016 we launched our first attempt at Soles for Hope. What made this initiative even more unique is this event was coordinated and run by our fantastic Raising Hope Foundation Youth. Between our five families we have 14 kids ranging from ages 7-18. From the initial brainstorming ideas until the final shipment of the shoes we collected, these efforts belonged to them. Our hope is that they can also inspire and involve more kids on our community to join in.
Through out the months of September and October we collected used shoes for various drop of locations in the community. Flyers were posted, and our big blue boxes kept filling up! Thanks to the schools and businesses that helped us with our efforts:
Schools that supported their students by hosting collection bins: Sol Feinstone Elementary School, Newtown Middle School, Council Rock North High School, the Pen Ryn School, the Bucks County Montessori Charter School, La Salle High School and Holy Ghost Prep. Businesses also got on board, including Growing Smiles at Floral Vale, Patriot FC Soccer club, and Merrill Lynch Yardley branch. We then had a massive sorting day in late October, and our goods were delivered. Over 1,300 pairs of gently used shoes were transported by truck courtesy of our community partner Patterson, to the shipping site of Soles4Souls. These shoes were then sent to those who really need them, to the 127 countries this terrific organization serves (check them out!) Approximately 400 pairs of cleats went to a start up youth soccer program to kids in Trenton who would not have been able to participate without these cleats. We love to see the community come together, looking forward to this one again next year!
