Since 2006, Soles4Souls, one of the top-rated nonprofits in the country, has been collecting new and used shoes to help fight poverty all around the world. In 2020, another program, 4EveryKid, was added to the organization to provide children experiencing homelessness throughout the United States with new, branded athletic shoes.
"That year, we served about 20,000 kids," shares the organization's CEO and president, Buddy Teaster. "In this fiscal year, we served 150,000 kids; next year, there'll be 250,000 kids. That growth and reach sounds great until you know that the number of kids experiencing homelessness in our public schools is more than one million."
In Metro Nashville Public Schools alone, he says there are between 4,000 and 5,000 kids classified as homeless. Unfortunately, children who don't have a quality pair of well-fitted athletic shoes may have physical discomfort, feel like they don't belong or get bullied by classmates. This response can lead to poor attendance and lower grades. They may also be unable to take part in physical education or sports.
"We've been working in this community in Wisconsin for a long time, and we were there last year," says Buddy. "This big kid comes up and says, 'I'm sure you don't have any size 15.' We not only had one pair in his size but two, and we gave him both. The first thing he said to his mother is, 'Now I can go out for the basketball team.'"
To make other kids' dreams come true, 4EveryKid needs support. "As hard as everybody's working, there's still a long way to go," he says. "These kids, through no fault of their own, don't deserve to be shut out of a normal, happy childhood. And without these opportunities, there's a bunch of talent that will be lost."
People can donate (as little as $20.00 can provide a child with high-quality athletic shoes) and volunteer. It's as easy as hitting a button on the website. Soles4Souls.org
"In this fiscal year, we served 150,000 kids, and next year it'll be 250,000 kids." - Buddy Teaster