Shoes to Spare? Donate a Pair!

Got a closet full of shoes? Consider yourself lucky. In many Third World countries, and regions struck by natural disasters such as earthquakes or flooding, even the simplest things become valuable when they become scarce.

One local store is taking part in a month-long drive to supply “gently worn” men’s or women’s shoes to people in need through an international shoe charity, Soles4Souls.

The business, , is well known for its designer jewelry. Bracelets, necklaces and pendants, often made of natural materials, are attractively displayed in the downtown San Anselmo store -- and in national publications, such as the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issues on models wearing little else.

But it’s not jewelry but shoes that concerns Presh this month. Throughout the month of November, the store will be collecting “new or gently worn footwear and/or donations to make a tangible difference through the gift of shoes,” according to their press release. “Every donation will support the charity’s initiative to distribute shoes to those in need.”

Annette Richmond, production assistant and informal publicist for the five-year old store, told Patch that it was owner herself who decided to take part in the shoe drive. “Nicole heard about the charity, and wanted to look into how we could contribute,” Richmond said. “So we went on the website and got in touch directly with Soles4Soles."

Soles4Souls began following the 2004 Tsunami in Southeast Asia, when millions of coastal people in Thailand, Indonesia, India and other countries were displaced by the December 26 disaster. Wayne Elsey, a footwear executive from Nashville, Tenn., was struck by the images of devastation and loss, and inspired to begin a drive to help the victims. He called other people in his industry and together they sent 250,000 pairs of shoes to the affected area.

A year later, when Hurricane Katrina swept ashore in the Gulf States, Elsey realized there was a permanent need for such assistance, and Soles4Souls became a full-time charity, committed to collect and distribute shoes to people living in extreme poverty and recovering from natural disasters.

“Last week we announced that we’ve distributed 16 million pairs,” said Elizabeth Kirk of the Soles4Souls organization. “That’s roughly every one pair every seven seconds.

“We distribute shoes in 120 countries,” she continued, "focusing on 10 countries including Haiti, Honduras, Guatemala, Tanzania and others.”

“This is just the beginning of Presh working with Soles4Souls,” said Richmond from the San Anselmo store. “This is the first time we’ve had a shoe drive, but we have done other promotions. The owner [Apostoli] is very interested in working with causes.”

For now, there’s a shoe collection box in the San Anselmo Rd. store, and customer interest in growing. “One lady came in today and said she was interested in putting together a drive for her kids’ schools,” said Richmond.

To help draw attention to the shoe drive, there will be an in-store sample sale November 1-5, ending Saturday. Throughout the month of November customers who donate a pair of shoes will receive 10 percent off their purchase.