In the wet, cold months before us, no one should be without shoes. That’s why United Way is partnering with Redeeming Soles to provide shoes at the upcoming Community Resource Exchange to our neighbors who are homeless.

Last year during the Community Resource Exchange, Redeeming Soles was able to give 800 people new or gently used shoes, but had to turn 200 people away due to short supply. We don’t want this to happen again. This year, we’re still hundreds of pairs short of reaching our goal of being able to give 1,000 people at the CRE a new pair of shoes and a spring in their step.

You can help! We are in urgent need of new or gently worn men’s shoes. Now is the time to clean out your closets, talk to your friends and hit those bonus sales. For used shoes, we ask that soles and body be hole-free with the laces intact and that the shoes be clean. Before you donate, simply tie each pair together using the laces or rubber bands. If the shoes are new and in boxes, it’s OK to leave them that way.

There are lots of ways to donate:

- Bring your donation to any Redeeming Soles drop-off location.

- Bring your donation to our main United Way office between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 13.

- If your group or company collects more than 10 pairs, email cre@uwkc.org and we’ll come pick them up!

Just one pair of shoes can make a huge difference for someone living on the rainy streets of Seattle. Thank you for your spirit of giving and willingness to help our community. See our Community Resource Exchange page for event details.