Service Activity Guide: Shoe Drive

Take a Step, Give a Step, Make a Difference

In communities around the world, millions of children and adults lack access to adequate footwear. Something as simple as a pair of shoes can protect feet from injury, prevent disease, enable school attendance, and support economic opportunity. Hosting a shoe drive is a meaningful way to gather gently used or new shoes and pass them along to organizations that distribute them directly to those in need or empower micro-entrepreneurs in developing countries. You are free to run your shoe drive in the way that works best for your school or club. Please follow your school’s guidelines for donation collection, safety, and drop-off procedures. Avoid including personal information on any donation labels.

Soles4Souls

• Purpose: Collect both new and used shoes to distribute to people in need globally, and to support micro-enterprise programs that provide entrepreneurs with shoes to sell for income. 
• Inspiration: Donated shoes can give children the confidence and comfort to attend school while giving families in other countries a path toward self-reliance. 
• Website: www.soles4souls.org/shoe-drive

Samaritan's Feet

• Purpose: Collect new and gently used shoes to distribute to children worldwide, helping them begin life’s journey with protection and dignity. 
• Inspiration: A simple pair of shoes can open the door to education and safer play for children living in extreme poverty. 
• Website: www.samaritansfeet.org

Shoes for Orphan Souls

• Purpose: Provide new shoes for vulnerable children around the world. A portion of donations is kept in the U.S. to serve children domestically. 
• Inspiration: New shoes can boost a child’s hope, health, and ability to participate fully in school and community life. 
• Website: www.buckner.org/shoes/host

Sneakers4Good

• Purpose: Collect new and gently used athletic shoes to support global sustainability and humanitarian efforts. Donations help keep sneakers out of landfills. 
• Inspiration: Your donated sneakers can protect feet, promote active living, and empower families around the world through economic opportunity — all while helping the environment. 
• Website: sneakers4good.com/mail-in-reuse-bag/

Share Your Soles

• Purpose: Gather gently worn and new shoes for distribution in impoverished areas around the world, including Native American reservations and disaster-impacted communities. 
• Inspiration: Your shoes can bring comfort and relief to individuals who may have never owned a functional pair of shoes. 
• Website: www.shareyoursoles.org

Shoe Fundraisers

• Purpose: You could also partner with organizations that collect used shoes as a fundraiser for your club. 
• Inspiration: Be sure to do your research to find programs available in your area and choose one that aligns with your club’s needs and school guidelines. These opportunities allow you to support global causes while keeping reusable shoes out of landfills. It can be a meaningful way to serve others and raise funds at the same time.