(Atlantic) The Atlantic Lions Club will collect new and gently used shoes for the Soles4Souls program on Friday, September 11, from 2 to 6 p.m. in the Atlantic Hy-Vee parking lot.
Soles4Souls works to keep usable shoes out of landfills while providing relief to people facing hardship and creating economic opportunities in communities around the world. The organization receives donated shoes, reconditions them as needed, and distributes them to people in need or uses them to support entrepreneurship programs.
In low-income countries, donated shoes can be provided to entrepreneurs who sell them in local marketplaces, helping create sustainable small businesses and provide income for their families. Shoes are also distributed to people recovering from natural disasters, homelessness and domestic violence.
Soles4Souls prefers shoes to be in good condition, but even shoes that are no longer wearable can be recycled through the program. The organization uses sorting, repairing, repurposing and other methods to extend the life of shoes and reduce waste.
Soles4Souls was formed after shoe industry executives donated footwear to survivors of the 2004 tsunami and Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The nonprofit was officially established in 2006.
