Soles4Souls(R) Inc. Grateful for Donated Shoes for Haiti Earthquake Victims

Shoe charity now able to commit 250,000 pairs of new shoes

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Jan 14, 2010, 07:09 ET

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Jan. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Soles4Souls Inc., the shoe charity, originally committed to 100,000 pairs of shoes for the rebuilding efforts in Haiti. It turns out that figure was too low.

"Once again, our partners in the footwear industry have been phenomenal," said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO. "From the largest shoe brands to single store owners across the country, each has stepped up to donate new shoes and funds for the Haiti Relief Project. We are grateful that we can now commit to a quarter of a million pairs of shoes to people in need on the ground," he said.

In partnership with several other organizations, Soles4Souls is sending emergency aid that includes footwear, food, medical supplies, bottled water, tents, blankets, baby products and more. The charity is also planning for a sustained giving campaign to make sure its resources are maximized and channeled properly to each aid organization on the ground in Haiti.

"This is going to be a long and painful rebuilding process, and if we don't act in a sustainable, calculated manner we could end up doing more harm than good," Elsey said.

Elsey said that his organization has received truckloads of work boots, rain boots, children's athletic shoes, sport sandals, socks and other accessories to be delivered as soon as possible to aid centers in Haiti. The general public can participate by visiting www.giveshoes.org to find a donation center nearby, or to make a cash donation online.

Elsey said his charity continues to receive generous support from the general public, as well. "Churches, schools, civic groups and neighborhood associations are reporting an amazing number of donations, and we are honored by the tremendous work done on our behalf," he said.

Many notable athletes, singers and politicians are also adding their assistance, such as Luke Perry, Amy Grant, Vince Gill, and Senator Bill Frist.

The Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince, and many surrounding villages were devastated by the largest earthquake to strike in over 200 years. News reports are painting a terrifying picture of death and disorder among a people already devastated by poverty and natural disaster.

According to Soles4Souls, a pair of new shoes is absolutely necessary in order for the Haitian survivors to be effective in rescue and rebuilding efforts amidst broken glass, twisted metal and raw sewage.

For more information on how to get involved and donate to the victims in Haiti, visit www.giveshoes.org.

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 7 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