An estimated 300 million children throughout the world lack access to shoes. Full stop. Let that sink in for a moment.

Hundreds of millions of children throughout the world lack access to one of life’s most basic items and today, on National Shoe the World Day, you and I can do something about it.

This past August, I was in San Augustin Etla in Oaxaca, Mexico, distributing shoes at one of our Buckner Family Hope Center® locations – an event that looked like the many other shoe distribution events I've been a part of over the last decade.

While tying a pair of new shoes and giving a high-five to a child, I was jarred by the sound of sobbing nearby. Romina, probably 6 or 7 years old, was weeping. When I asked one of our Buckner family coaches what was happening (admittedly, expecting something was wrong), I was told Romina was overwhelmed with emotion – that someone would think of her – and provide her new shoes.

Sometimes we need to be reminded of simple truths.

I've worked to provide shoes for children in need for more than a decade. But the look on Romina’s face on that day reminded me of why we do what we do.

For over 25 years, Buckner International® has promoted health, education, opportunity and hope to vulnerable children in the U.S. and throughout the world, by providing new shoes through Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls®.

For children like Romina throughout the world, shoes are not simply a fashion accessory. Shoes are essential.

Tens of millions of children globally won’t attend school because they don’t have shoes. Many millions live in regions where tropical diseases and foot-borne illnesses are prevalent. These illnesses can have catastrophic physical consequences and often come with many significant social and societal complications.

Recent studies of patients who suffer from podoconiosis (a disease endemic to parts of Ethiopia and likely contracted via exposure to certain soils through the feet) identified deep social stigma tied to the disease.

Many patients are excluded from various aspects of life and culture in their communities due to the disease. That's on top of the physical complications and pain that come with podoconiosis.

It's particularly important to remember that every life has value – regardless of what medical issues one might face. But another thing is certain. This is one disease – among many globally – that can largely be prevented through adequate footwear.

Health, education and dignity may be only one pair of shoes away for millions globally. 

Ultimately, shoes are about dignity.

The dignity of not being excluded from receiving an education that's vital to children and families rising above poverty. The dignity of living a life unencumbered by the social prohibitions that come with major health struggles. The dignity of a single mother being able to send her child to school with confidence during times of economic turmoil and inflationary highs.

As a faith-based organization, we view the work of Buckner Shoes as a sacred opportunity. By providing shoes, we follow a biblical model of carrying a burden for one’s neighbor. In addition to the very tangible impact that access to shoes has on health and educational outcomes, providing them also creates a moment to express to children and families they are loved by us and by God and that they have immense worth.

In our fast-paced, hyper-digital world, it’s easy to let some of these awareness holidays become nothing more than a meme. But don’t let National Shoe the World Day pass by without considering the simple ways you can make a difference.

Consider hosting a shoe drive with your church or business, or taking a step on your own to donate a pair of shoes. Maybe leave a couple of new pairs of shoes with your local school counselor for struggling families in your own neighborhood.

However you choose to be involved, don't discount these truths: shoes are essential and shoes can be life-changing.

Written by Shawn Spurrier, director of Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls®.

Get involved with Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls® today.