Soles for Christ program in need of shoe donations
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Soles for Christ announced it is continuing to collect new tennis shoes for its annual distribution.
The goal of the program is to provide a new pair of shoes for each child to start school in, boost self-esteem and enthusiasm for the coming school year.
The program, which is run by the AFL-CIO Community Services, is looking for tennis shoes in toddler sizes five to 10, youth sizes 11 to six and all adult sizes.
Shoes will ideally be worn throughout the school day, at gym and during outdoor activities, so the agency requests the donations to be tennis shoes with rubber soles.
Donors are welcome to drop off shoes between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the AFL-CIO Community Services, located at 1203 North 6th St.
The agency requests that donations arrive no later than Thursday, Aug. 6, to ensure accurate inventory and to ensure all shoes arrive at the distribution location. The donation goal for 2026 is 1,500 pairs of shoes.
The distribution will be held for two days, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 10 and Tuesday, Aug. 11. The distribution will take place at the Scottish Rite Temple, located at 515 N. 6th St.
There is no pre-registration needed, and the program serves children entering preschool through 12th grade in public, parochial and home-school in Andrew, Buchanan, Clinton and DeKalb counties in Missouri and Doniphan County in Kansas.
Parents or guardians need to bring their child(ren) with them to the distribution; the child must be present to be served through the program.
Parents are required to show proof of residency and the child's age through a school ID, report card, birth certificate or any document that proves the child's date of birth. Preschoolers must have proof of enrollment in a preschool and must be at least four years old.
For questions about donating or the distribution event, contact AFL-CIO Community Services Programs Coordinator Ashley Luthans at 816-364-1131 or ashley.luthans@helpmenow.org.
Since its inception in 2003, the program has distributed 19,949 pairs of shoes. Last year,m the program distributed 1,119 pairs of shoes worth $33,570.
The agency said that, after COVID-related decreases, program participation numbers are approaching the annual average of 1,100 to 1,200 children served.
