One of the most visible signs of childhood poverty is wearing worn-out, ill-fitting shoes and socks. Without proper footwear, kids face physical discomfort and pain, social exclusion and bullying, and diminished confidence. It impacts their ability to thrive in school, sports, and everyday life.
Here’s where Shoes 4 the Shoeless steps in. Shoes 4 the Shoeless is a non-profit that provides new, correctly fitting gym shoes and socks to children in Southwest Ohio, where an estimated 60% of children live in poverty. Since it began in 2010, the organization has helped well over 160,000 children by delivering thousands of new shoes and socks directly to schools.
To support these important efforts, the Ohlmann Group team held a sock drive throughout January, collecting new kids’ socks in a variety of sizes and colors. Shoes 4 the Shoeless gives out nearly 100,000 pairs of socks each year. For many of the children they serve, receiving a brand-new pair of socks is a first-time experience — one that brings comfort, safety, joy, and dignity.
Shoes 4 the Shoeless is always looking for volunteers to assist with sorting donations and fitting kids with shoes and socks on delivery days. Donating is another meaningful way to help. It takes just $31 to put a new pair of shoes and socks on each child. Learn more about getting involved and make a difference for kids in need!