Shoes can prevent infections, protect from diseases, provide economic and educational opportunities, and propel individuals to pursue their dreams.
Why Should You Donate Shoes?
1.5 BILLION PEOPLE
are infected with foot-borne diseases and could be prevented with proper footwear.
SHOES & SOCKS
are in the top five items that students are in need of in schools in the United States.
SLIPS & FALLS
are the leading cause of injury and death among the senior population.
Reasons Why You Should Donate Shoes
Soil-Transmitted
Helminths
Soil-Transmitted Helminths are intestinal worms (Acaris, whipworm, and hookworm) which can be transmitted when people walk barefoot on contaminated soil. Symptoms of Soil-Transmitted Helminths include abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, and anemia. It can also impact the physical and cognitive growth of children.
Poor Quality
of Life
When kids in school don’t have proper or well-fitting shoes, they can be looked down upon by their peers and be uncomfortable and unconfident in the classroom. Additionally, lack of proper footwear can have a negative impact on a senior’s health and well-being, the ability to live independently, community involvement, and economic stability.
Podoconiosis
(Elephantiasis)
Approximately 4-5 million people in 32 countries have Podoconiosis arising from long-term contact with irritant soil. Symptoms include itching of the skin, burning, and swelling and stiffness in the foot and lower leg. These symptoms make it hard for infected individuals to work and they can often be cast out of their community.
Shoes Provide H.O.P.E.
HEALTH
Shoes protect feet from contaminated soil and against diseases.
OPPORTUNITY
Shoes provide stability and the chance for a better, brighter future.
PEACE
