Chicago Based Share Your Soles Expanding to Become Global Shoe Donation Leader

CHICAGO, June 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Chicago based Share Your Soles marked its twelfth anniversary of giving this year.  This wasn't just an anniversary celebration for Mona Purdy, Founder of Share Your Soles, but a celebration marking over 1.2 million pairs of shoes donated to those in need in just over a decade.

Share Your Soles organizes shoe drives and other special events that provide the necessary support to putting shoes on the soles of children and adults in the most impoverished areas of the world.  The ever growing group of Share Your Soles supporters and volunteers finds it all pretty simple; by giving whatever you can, even just an hour or two each month, it's easy to become involved and change the world.  Share Your Soles, as part of their ongoing mission to help improve the quality of life throughout the world, has recently started collecting medical equipment, new and gently used canes, walkers, wheelchairs and crutches, anything to improve mobility without a motor.  

Share Your Soles has rapidly been expanding after they opened a warehouse in Alsip, IL this past January.  They have just confirmed a new drop site and warehouse donated by Freeport Logistics in Phoenix, AZ as well as the Nexus Distributing Company donating a facility in Allentown, PA.

Founder Mona Purdy started Share Your Soles in her garage with a few helping hands that are still with her today. There are about 200-500 volunteers each week.  "Many don't realize the time and money that goes into an organization like Share Your Soles.  To process a shipping container of shoes and send them overseas costs $10,000-$15,000; and Share Your Soles makes sure they are there to hand deliver the cartons to those in need," stated Purdy in a recent interview.

Share Your Soles recently hosted its 7th Annual Run With Purpose event on May 22nd.  Secretary of State Jesse White, mentor, friend, and board member of Share Your Soles, was present at the event along with the Jesse White Tumblers.

Share Your Soles just brought on rising star Chicago based communication strategy firm Christopher Foltz & Company to help with the global expansion and non-profit development. "We are more than honored to be chosen as a public relations and marketing partner for such an amazing Chicago based, globally driven organization like Share Your Soles," commented Chris Foltz, President of Christopher Foltz & Company.

This year the Share Your Soles Chicago Marathon team, "Run With a Purpose", marks its second showing in the race with a goal of each team member raising about $1,000 to process more shoes and help more people.  The organization is planning on raising over $100,000 for Share Your Soles at this year's marathon. For more information visit www.ShareYourSoles.org

SOURCE Share Your Soles