The Human Rights Club collected (and still are accepting) new and gently used shoes in part of the Soles4Souls shoe drive, starting from late November.

Soles4Souls, a nonprofit organization based in Nashville, Tennessee, hopes to provide support and opportunities to people living in poverty around the world.

Since their founding in 2006, Soles4Souls has donated over 30 million shoes to 127 countries. This year, the company is focusing their efforts on donating shoes within the United States, as many have been the victims of natural disasters such as Hurricanes Florence and Michael.

According to their mission statement, Soles4Souls “creates sustainable jobs and provides relief through the distribution of shoes and clothing around the world. We believe everyone around the world deserves a good pair of shoes.”

The Warren Hills Human Rights Club has organized the shoe drive for six years now, in hopes of involving the community in global efforts.

Debra Rokosny, the club’s advisor said, “I hope that the Warren Hills community will donate shoes that aren’t worn anymore and are gathering dust in their closets so that somebody in need will benefit from that donation.” she said. “It’s a unique organization that has positive, tangible and sustainable impacts.  Besides distributing shoes, it keeps shoes from going into landfills.”

To further the number of donations received, the club is also holding a raffle for every pair of shoes donated.

“For each pair of shoes, the donor’s name will be entered into a raffle to win a gift card,” said Rokosny.

Participating in the drive will give those affected by disaster and adverse circumstance to recover, by allowing them to go to school and work.

“All you have to do is donate shoes that you don’t wear anymore.” said Jessica Kara, vice president of the Human Rights Club. “You really get to make a difference in someone’s life.”