Save the Earth, Help Haiti

Actually, they do want your old shoes. Soles4Souls is doing great work with a simple concept: recycle shoes by giving them to those in need. Founded in response to the 2004 tsunami in Indonesia, they delivered more than a million pairs of shoes to the Gulf Coast in the aftermath of Katrina. They have mobilized quickly in response to the Haiti earthquate and have already put hundreds of thousands of shoes on the ground – and on feet – in Haiti.

Soles4Souls has pledged to provide a million shoes in all – and you can help. Donate your gently used shoes at a participating running store partner, or take the next step and organize a shoe drive. Soles4Souls accepts donations from individuals, church and social groups, and footwear companies.

To find a drop-off point at a participating shoe retailer in your area, visit http://www.soles4souls.org/about/locations.html. I just located my nearest Finish Line, and I’m taking a few pairs of my retired running shoes tomorrow.