Do you have a closet full of shoes? If you are like most people, the answer is yes. And, if you're like most people, you have a couple of favorites that you wear exclusively while all the others take up valuable space in your closet... (guilty!) When you decide it's time to clean out your closet, think about helping others by donating those extra shoes.
Where Can You Donate?
Goodwill is a great place to donate because they provide jobs for people who might otherwise be unemployed due to physical or other challenges. They sell donated items for a small amount that is affordable to those who do not have much money. Their success depends on people like you donating unwanted items, including shoes, so that they can fund important programs and continue to operate.
Another option is donating to the Salvation Army. They operate thrift stores that allow people to buy clothes and home furnishings at an affordable price. They also provide jobs and volunteering opportunities for those needing to work or wanting to volunteer. Salvation Army also provides shelter and food to the homeless. After a disaster, you can be sure the Salvation Army will be there with aid. Your donated shoes will support all these activities when they are sold at a Salvation Army store.
Your community might even sponsor a charity that specifically provides shoes to those in need. Such organizations often operate locally, nationally, and internationally. The premise of such organizations is that every person on this earth deserves to have a good pair of shoes and it is their mission to make sure all, no matter how poor, has good shoes to wear.
You've probably heard the saying that one man's trash is another man's treasure. Well, that is true of your closet full of unused shoes. Donating those shoes might seem like a simple act to you. But, if you really think about it, those donated shoes go a long way in helping other people. Not only are you helping others who are less fortunate, but you are keeping your used shoes out of the landfill. Helping the environment is probably not something you think about when deciding to donate your shoes. But, if you can keep just one pair of shoes out of the landfill, you are helping our planet which is good for everyone.