Recently, members of the Neosho First Christian Church participated in a shoe drive for Soles4Souls.
The shoes and a check representing a love offering were recently delivered by Robert and Alva Jane Allen, co-chairs of the church outreach committee, to a collection center in Old Hickory, Tenn.
“The idea of having the shoe drive was first presented to our outreach committee by our Pastor, Al Gritten,” said Robert. “This first drive was a learning experience for us. Going to the collection center, seeing the efficiency of the operation, and hearing about all the good that is being done through the giving of shoes helped me better understand the needs being met by Soles4Souls. They average giving away a pair of shoes every 19 seconds.”
More than 1.5 billion pairs of shoes lay idle in American closets. More than 300 million children around the world are without shoes.
Soles4Souls has a simple mission: impact as many lives as possible with the gift of shoes.
Their goal is to change the world one pair at a time.
Alva Jane observed, “shoe companies, retailers, civic organizations, churches and individuals contribute shoes, money, and transportation so that shoes can be distributed to those in need here in the United States as well as other countries. By working in community with others, more is accomplished.”
Soles4Souls is a 501 (c) (3) recognized by the IRS, and donating parties are eligible for tax advantages. Working in cooperation with other agencies dedicated to helping others, an efficient network of distribution has been established.
If anyone is interested in learning more about Soles4Souls, visit www.giveshoes.org or call (615) 391-5723 or FAX (615) 391-5730 or call 1-866-521-SHOE. A contact address is Soles4Souls, 2900 Lebanon Road, Suite 210, Nashville, Tenn. 37214.
The Allens add that giving help locally is another worthy outlet of sharing.
Crosslines Ministries, in cooperation with Wal-mart, is holding a shoe drive right now to provide shoes for area children and youth who need shoes to begin this next school year. Monetary donations are being accepted for this mission project. For more information regarding this drive, call Neosho Crosslines Ministries at 451-0157.
“When 300 million children are in need of shoes and that many shoes are thrown into our landfills each year, how can we do anything else than respond?” the Allens said. “Showing God’s love through the giving of shoes or money for shoes is something most of us can do. It has a tremendous impact on those who are on the receiving end and on the giving end.”
Neosho First Christian is glad to have supported Soles4Souls this year and plans are under way to continue its support of this mission. They have also been active participants in the Crosslines shoe drive in the past and plan to continue in giving support to this worthy community effort.
