This Dayton Mom Blogger’s heart belongs to SHOES…..Shoes 4 the Shoeless that is. In 2011, I had the honor of meeting Kris Horlacher. Kris is the director of Shoes 4 the Shoeless. She is a woman on a mission and one that you will never forget.
Soon after meeting her our church hosted an event for individuals in the community who are less fortunate than we are. On that day, I witnessed over a hundred children receive a new pair of shoes. Some of them came wearing slippers. Many had on shoes that were broken down. Immediately, I was able to see why Kris was so passionate about her cause.
THE BEGINNING
In 2010 a young boy was in pain. His feet were bleeding and covered in blisters. With no one to help, a plan was set into motion by a small group of loving people. Six months after it’s inception, Shoes 4 the Shoeless became nationally recognized winning the Pepsi Refresh Competition. Since that day Shoes 4 the Shoeless has spent countless hours ensuring that all children in the Miami Valley who need shoes, get them.
This mission is not an easy task to pull off. Several days a week, groups of volunteers head to local schools and provide thousands of children with new shoes and socks. In order to keep this momentum up, the need is huge. Without donations of socks, shoes, and monetary support, Shoes 4 the Shoeless cannot keep up. Volunteers are needed to stock the storage center, fill the truck for the delivery as well as being there at the school to help fit the waiting children.
VOLUNTEERING
Volunteering and supporting Shoes 4 the Shoeless is indescribable. There are no words for taking shoes off of a little one whose socks are full of holes. Smells coming from their feet that make your eyes water. Seeing little ones with shoes that are falling apart and three sizes too small. Witnessing the sheer joy that comes when the new shoes are placed upon their feet, knowing they may have never worn shoes that fit.
Supporting Shoes 4 the Shoeless continues to be one of the best ways I show my own children how much need there is to support others in our own community. I’m able to do this by sending my daughter and husband to the Shoes 4 the Shoeless Soiree that happens each year as a way to fundraise. Or by being a volunteer and spending time with some of the most impoverished children in our area. My heart is forever connected to Kris and this amazing gift that is being given to those who need it the most.
*Want to know more information or how you can help? Please visit http://www.shoes4theshoeless.org/ *
