Shoes. Lot’s of shoes. That’s all anyone could see as I opened up the storage units. It’s a mess. Bags on top of bags, and shoes spilling out of boxes. But it’s one big glorious mess! It’s crazy because just a few weeks ago this storage unit was empty. I remember placing the first box of collected shoes in the back of the unit thinking it was going to be impossible to fill.
But you have proven me wrong! Over the past several weeks people all over Southwest Florida have given their new and gently used shoes. It was inspiring to see a little girl give her favorite pink cowboy boots, and time after time again people gave the shoes off their feet. These shoes will go to families all over the world and help them end poverty in their lives for good.
People have been asking, “How are my old shoes going to change a life?” That’s a good question. It’s kind of unbelievable that a pair of the best tennis shoes for men make a big difference in someone’s life, but they can. These shoes are going to go to families who are struggling with poverty. The families can then give these shoes to their children so they can walk without fear of cutting their feet on broken glass and rocks. Then, the families can sell the excess shoes they are given to bring in an income. With the money they earn from selling these shoes, they can buy more shoes and create a shoe business. Now these families have the means to create a sustainable income, and they can send their children to school, take them to the doctors when they are sick, and know their children will have a better life.
Thank you so much for your help. You are the reason this storage unit is overflowing with shoes. It’s not just overflowing with shoes, but it’s also overflowing with hope!
On Saturday, June 14th we will be counting and bagging every shoe. I’m going to need some help gathering up and sorting through this massive pile. It will probably take me a year to do it all by myself, but if you are willing to help me bag shoes, we can get it done in a few hours. If you’re willing to help me we would love to have you volunteer. Just email me at jtownsend@www.wayfm.com for more details.
