Since 1999, Share Your Soles has distributed more than 5 million pairs of shoes to over 20 countries and all 50 U.S. states
Why Share Your Soles?
Millions of people live in poverty in villages with no running water, no electricity, in unsanitary conditions, often walking miles each day just to get clean water. Including children, who often must still wear shoes to attend school. Walking barefoot on hard surfaces can lead to a tremendous amount of stress not only to the foot but to the rest of the body as well. Walking barefoot also increases the risk for bacterial and fungal infections. The right kind of shoes protect feet from these infections and possible amputation.
Shoes serve as transportation, health insurance and opportunity. Shoes matter!
Share Your Soles provides the opportunity for people to share new or gently worn shoes to those most in need. Individuals you may never know, meet, or see, but will have been given hope and the chance for a better quality of life because of your care, love, and generosity.
Our volunteer & donation opportunities
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Sponsor
Your financial support in the primary means for our continued sustainability and ensures your shoes reach their final destination safely.
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Host a shoe drive
Hosting a shoe drive is easy, fun and a meaningful way to help out others in need. Great for school and business philanthropy.
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Volunteer
Volunteering your time helps others and provides you with a sense of purpose, community and gives perspective to the world around you.
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Donate
By donating shoes and funds, you give the shoes a chance for a second life, while providing a person with joy, respect and chance for a healthier life.
Did you know, in many parts of the world families live on less than $2 a day and cannot afford something as simple as a pair of shoes.
Volunteers and hosting shoe drives are the backbone of our mission. Schools, sports teams, churches, neighborhoods; anyone can host. It is easy and fun and provides an opportunity for youth and adults alike to connect with each other and learn about the world around us.
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11201 S Cottage Dr
Chicago, IL 60628
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7158 W 127th St, Palos Heights, IL 60463
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34 W Jefferson Ave, Naperville, IL 60540
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9636 161st Pl Orland Park, IL 60467
2879 W 95th St Naperville, IL 60564
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14360 S La Grange Road, Orland Park, IL 60462
124 N Hale St Wheaton, IL 60187
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2235 N Sheffield Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
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1513 N Wells St Chicago, IL 60610
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6601 W 127th St, Palos Heights, IL 60463
NEW LOCATION
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15430 West Ave, Orland Park, IL 60462
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6601 W 127th St, Palos Heights, IL 60463
Below are the types of shoes we collect.
All types and sizes of men’s , women’s children’s and youth suzes. Shoes must be laced if laces are required. Please do not rubber band. Zip tie or bag shoes individually. This makes our work easier.
Warm winter boots
Rain boots (Wellies)
All other boots in good condition
Gym shoes
Dress shoes (low heels if for women/girls)
School shoes
Athletic footwear (especially soccer & basketball)
Sandals
Crocs
Flip flops
New slippers only
Pre sort shoes prior to delivering your collection!
Toss out or recycle old, worn out or dirty shoes please. Heavy duty garbage bags are a great way to deliver shoes to us. Please Do NOT bring a shoe drive collection to our community drop site locations. They are meant for 3-5 pairs at a time maximum!
We ask that shoe drive collections be dropped off at our facility in historic Pullman unless arrangements are made in advance with us to pick up the shoes.
Drop locations
Host a shoe drive
Giving your audience plenty of notice helps. They have time to plan their strategy of engaging not only their immediate family but the extended family, friends and neighbors.
Explain that quality always matters more than quantity. Remember these shoes you share must have life in them so others can get use from them. Old, worn out, dirty shoes do not respect the dignity of others. This is very important!
What if you were the person giving shoes to someone living in an underdeveloped village with no running water, no electricity or access to shoes of any kind. Wouldn't you be super happy to share nice clean quality shoes with these folks? I know I would. This is what love is all about. Caring while sharing.
A couple of things to keep in mind prior to kicking off the drive.
Allow enough time to get the word out so people have an opportunity to donate. It takes time to get the word out to family, friends, neighbors, classmates, teammates, coworkers and your community that you are collecting shoes. And people need time to go through their shoes and get them to the drop site.
Explain that quality always matters more than quantity. Share Your Soles® only accepts shoes in GOOD WORKING CONDITION. Remember these shoes must have life in them so others can benefit from them. . Old, worn out, dirty shoes do not respect the dignity of others. This is a very important part of the mission of Share Your Soles®.
Please share your shoe drive journey on social media and tag Share Your Soles®