The 1,000 Soles Shoe Drive is a major annual spring event based in Salem, Oregon; where high schools and middle schools compete to collect and raise the most shoes for those in need. The program serves 50-100 local youth per month, providing shoes to partners working with underserved youth, including local shelters like Taylor’s House.
The 1,000 Soles Shoe Drive is a community-driven initiative aimed at collecting and distributing shoes to those in need, homeless youth and low-income families in the greater Salem area. By gathering gently used or new, particularly athletic shoes, cleats, and boots, to provide them to local children, youth, and young adults in need. The program helps provide comfort, protection, and dignity to individuals who may otherwise go without.
The shoe drive starts on April 1st and ends on April 30th. It is a city wide competition, with the other five main high schools in our district. The 1,000 soles was initially created by a 10th- grade AVID class of 18 students at South Salem High School in partnership with the City of Salem Youth Development Services in 2012. When it was first created it was originally called One Hundred Soles, but it ended up having so much success with their shoe drive — collecting more than 500 pairs — that they raised their goal and overtime changed the name to 1,000 Soles.
Overall, the shoe drive truly is an inspiration and really proves that it doesn’t matter how old you are and what grade you are in, you can make a difference. Whether it’s taking a step forward and creating your own drive, or donating shoes that you have and haven’t worn for a long time, or even going out of your way to buy a pair is a donation that matters and will mean something.
