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Community Corner

No Bare Soles Shoe Distribution

This fall, Atlanta human services agency Caring For Others, Inc. will once again host a massive distribution of brand new shoes during its 2013 No Bare Soles Shoe Distribution. An annual tradition that has already helped thousands of families throughout Georgia, No Bare Soles takes place onsite at Caring For Others for one day only. This year, the nonprofit organization has a variety of styles and sizes to distribute including sneakers, sandals, flip flops and slip-ons for women, girls and babies. (Sorry guys, unless you are infants, this giveaway is not for you!)

Rather than being pre-registered, participants must be children’s birth certificates to receive shoes during the distribution, which will be on a first come, first served basis. In addition to the families who head to the distribution at South Atlanta agency’s headquarters, Caring for Others’ Agency Partners help broaden the reach of the much-needed shoes by bringing them back to their communities. 

As a human services organization, Caring For Others strives to help struggling families live with dignity, and getting new shoes to children goes a long way toward achieving that goal.

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Since the organization exists for the purpose of helping those without the basic necessities live with dignity, the shoe event fits in perfectly with the Caring For Others mission. During one year, the average family spends $2,000 on clothing and shoes. By providing necessary shoes, Caring For Others can help take a sizable bite out of that expense.

“Our clients are usually struggling just to keep a roof over their heads and maintain their families,” says Caring For Others President and CEO Eslene Richmond-Shockley. “When someone has to choose between paying the electric bill and buying new shoes for their children, the bills usually have to come first.” Of course, new shoes can provide psychological benefits as well when children can be proud of rather than embarrassed by their footwear. 

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The giveaway will have a huge impact in the local community. In fact, the retail value of the shoes that will be given out during No Bare Soles Shoe Distribution is about $90,000. As with all of the items that Caring For Others is able to distribute to its clients, the shoes have been donated by manufacturers and other agencies. 

Caring For Others can be reached at 404-761-0133.

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