As a sneakerhead and reseller, every day I deal with the most popular shoes, which are typically hundreds of dollars. The massive sneaker culture in America allows people to express their personality and sense of style through shoes which are often way too expensive for most people. 

One day I showed a newly acquired pair of shoes to my friend. After appraising the highly sought-after sneakers, he told me "these shoes could give 20 pairs of new shoes who people need them."  His words have stuck with me ever since and they have made me view shoes differently: style vs necessity. Before I had viewed shoes as business expenses purely to make money. However, my friend's words made me realize that not having ready access to necessities such as shoes was a reality for millions of people. It made me want to help those who do not have what I take for granted every day.

300 million kids worldwide lack shoes and are at serious risk of soil-transmitted diseases and parasites. This is no exception in America. America is consistently ranked as having one of the worst child poverty rates in all developed countries. As the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting recession continue to devastate the country, the poverty rate has increased dramatically. In 2020, 11.6 million kids, or 16% nationwide, lived in poverty. 1 in every 8 people in America lives under the poverty line. Having a pair of shoes is one of the most necessities someone can have. Shoes can change the life of someone by allowing them to travel to school or work much more safely, and giving them the hope and drive they need to take hold of their future.

$1=1 pair of shoes for someone in need

Thank you so much for your support in helping those in need!