I am in Indianapolis for the weekend between rounds of AmeriCorps interviews for the statewide evaluation I am conducting.  I was wandering through Circle Center, the downtown shopping mall, and happened into Finish Line to look at athletic shoes.  Right inside the door was a big open box that said Sole Destination.  Reading the fine print I learned that customers bringing in an old pair of athletic shoes to donate when they buy a new pair, get $5 off their purchase. The old shoes go to Soles4Souls, a nonprofit whose mission is: To impact as many lives as possible with the gift of shoes.

I checked out their website when I got back to the Hyatt.  “Soles4Souls facilitates the donations of shoes, which are used to aid the hurting worldwide. Shoe companies, retailers, and individuals can donate footwear (both new and used).”  I now remember I first heard about this group post-Katrina.

On the Soles4Souls website, I could find no mention of the Finish Line as one of their retail drop off points in Indiana.  Hmmm…wonder why not?  Should be listed.  WHat I DID like about the Soles4Souls website is that they have a ways to help section which lists ways that businesses and corporate sponsors can provide assistance which makes it very clear how you can get involved.