Overview
About the event
In the early 2000s, an effort to collect items for families and individuals who lost their homes and belongings during natural disasters (such as Hurricane Katrina) created an increased need for shoe donation programs. Answering that call, Soles4Souls was founded in 2006 with the mission to wear out poverty. While DSW had already been collecting shoe donations in stores, the nationwide shoe retailer officially began its partnership with Soles4Souls in 2018 to further its mission of making shoes accessible for all. Pairing the partnership with the launch of their VIP loyalty program, DSW offered points for donations that ultimately help customers earn Rewards. The initiative hit 10 million donations in less than four years. Customers can also donate money at check out in DSW stores or donate available Rewards, and over $4 million has been made in direct donations.?�
DSW believes in the power of shoes and how a great pair of shoes can create opportunities for children to attend school and individuals to pursue education and a successful career. Through Soles4Souls, shoes are distributed to international partners who work with entrepreneurs to sell donated shoes. These microenterprises not only give new life to each pair of shoes, they create the ability for entrepreneurs to maintain an ongoing business.
Donated shoes are also a step toward a more sustainable planet and to date, over 12 million pounds of shoes have been diverted out of landfills, thanks to DSW�??s shoe donation program.
