Soles4Souls to Donate 85,000 Pairs of New Shoes to Help Neighbors in Nashville Recover from Flood

NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --  Soles4Souls Inc., the shoe charity, usually responds to natural disasters around the world.  Today, however, the charity is working overtime to provide free shoes, water and other items to people in its hometown of Nashville.  Heavy rains and floodwaters caused 30 deaths and ruined thousands of homes in Middle Tennessee.

Soles4Souls unveiled a three-stage relief plan, beginning with a massive distribution of 85,000 new pairs of shoes at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds.  On Monday, May 10, from 3pm - 7pm, staff and volunteers from Soles4Souls will be at the Fairgrounds providing free shoes to anyone in need.  On Tuesday, May 11, the Fairgrounds will be open from 10am - 2pm.  On both days, the distribution will be held under the Show Arena Pavilion and will feature men's, women's and children's shoes.

"This is shaping up to be the worst natural disaster in Nashville's history, and we are committing all available resources and manpower to help our friends and neighbors get back on their feet," said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls.  "We need volunteers to join us at the State Fairgrounds and provide free shoes to people coming for help.  We are thankful for the Tennessee State Fairgrounds for allowing us to use their facilities to help Tennesseans in need," he said.

Elsey said the second stage of the relief project would take place at the charity's World Headquarters, at 319 Martingale Drive, Old Hickory TN, 37138 (behind the McDonald's on Old Hickory Boulevard in Old Hickory).  Soles4Souls will be handing out bottled water, Gatorade, and food to residents in need.  The "drive-thru" distribution will be held on Friday, May 14 and Saturday, May 15.

The third stage of the relief plan will come as Elsey and his team members launch a sustained giving campaign, which will include children's products, for Middle Tennessee throughout the rest of the year.  "Because of our partnerships with a variety of non-profit agencies around the country, we'll be able to provide a wide range of ongoing support for our neighbors in need," Elsey said.

To learn more about Soles4Souls, or to volunteer with the charity, visit www.giveshoes.org or call 615-391-5723.

About Soles4Souls®

Soles4Souls is a Nashville-based charity that collects shoes from warehouses of footwear companies and the closets of people like you.  We distribute these shoes, free of charge, to people in need around the world. Since 2005, Soles4Souls has given away over 8.5 million pairs of new and gently worn shoes (currently distributing one pair every 9 seconds). The shoes have been distributed in 125 countries, including Haiti, Kenya, Nepal and the United States. Soles4Souls is a 501(c)(3) recognized by the IRS and donating parties are eligible for tax advantages.

SOURCE Soles4Souls Inc.