Since 1999, one of the ways Buckner International has served children throughout the world is by providing the gift of shoes. In fact, Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls® has collected and distributed over 3 million pairs of shoes in 82 countries throughout the world – and Rotarians have played a profound role in doing that. For more than 15 years, Shoes for Orphan Souls has had the honor to be chosen as club and district projects throughout the country. This spring, Rotary District 6040 in Missouri and Rotary District 6670 in Ohio have worked for months to collect shoes, and their efforts will add to over 300,000 pairs of shoes given by Rotarians to children Buckner serves.

Perhaps you are part of a Rotary club or district looking for a new philanthropic project. Here are three reasons why hosting a Shoes for Orphan Souls shoe drive may be the right fit for you:

• Message: We can all relate to the need for shoes. But for millions of children throughout the world that need is profound and not often easily met. The need is very simple and very tangible. Therefore, the call-to-action is simple and understandable and something your club or district will be able to easily get behind.
• Impact: Rotary International has an incredible legacy of serving and profoundly impacting vulnerable communities throughout the world through health and education initiatives. The gift of shoes is a simple extension of this as it promotes health by preventing foot-born illnesses, education by allowing children to attend school in third world environments in which they may not be able to without a pair of shoes, and family sustainability through Buckner programs in the communities in which we serve.
• Support: Due to our ongoing relationships with Rotarians throughout the country we have the opportunity to provide support for many Rotary shoe drives and have even created Rotary specific materials and shoe drive supplies. This provides a turn-key club outreach opportunity and will help to insure the success of your shoe drive.

Rotarians have even been able to experience the impact they have made by volunteering on Shoes for Orphan Souls shoe distribution trips. Some of our longest standing partners – Rotary district 6040 – share their experience in the video above.

If you would like more information on how your club or district can serve vulnerable children throughout the world through a Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls shoe drive please contact us at: 1-866-774-SHOE.