Recently, the La Porte community has gotten involved with an international campaign, Soles4Souls.
Soles4Souls collects gently worn shoes to send to victims of natural disasters and those less fortunate.
Soles4Souls originated after the aftermath of 2004’s extreme tsunami was seen across the globe. Soles4Souls founder, Wayne Elsey, felt compelled to do something and not just stand on the sidelines anymore.
Months later when Katrina hit the southern United States, millions of pairs of shoes were donated to the disaster victims and ever since, the foundation has exploded with kindness.
American Licorice in La Porte has teamed up with La Porte High School, Boston Middle School and Kesling Middle School to better the world. They will be providing collection boxes and posters for the school. At the end of the drive, they will collect the boxes from the schools and deliver them to needy areas to be distributed.
“I read about the program in an email. I felt it would be a great way to help out kids that have similar issues to some students here at LPHS,” Special Education teacher Gabrielle Shreves said.
The drive is headed by Shreves and Girls’ Reserves organizer Ingrid Johanson-Voelker.
The drive is taking place at all the schools starting April 9 and ending April 30. Drive boxes will be placed all throughout classrooms and common areas in the schools. They will accept any pair of gently used shoes and sandals.
“I think it’s great that everyone is extending their help to less fortunate children. It’s also great that the community is willing to help by donating the boxes to make the collection possible,” senior Virginia Del Real said.
The main goal is to collect as many pairs of shoes, new or slightly used, that don’t normally have shoes or theirs are in poor condition.
“I thought this would be a great way to help kids who don’t have it easy,” Shreves said.
Help make a difference and get involved with Soles4Souls April 9-30.