A number of foster children coming into care do not have shoes or the shoes they have do not fit them. It is sad to think that there are children in the United States going without shoes and other basic needs.

Alabama has decided to observe Child Abuse Prevention Month (April) and National Foster Care Month (May) by asking people to come together to help the 6,000 children in foster care in Alabama. Alabama Foster and Adoptive Parent’s Association and the Alabama Secretary of State’s office are coming together, to ask that everyone donated shoes for the 6,000 foster children in care. The shoes can be used or new any sizes or gender. Shoes need to be dropped off or mailed by April 20th.

If you have children, then you probably have a few pairs of children’s shoes that they have outgrown hiding in the back of the closets. What a great way to give back and without any out of pocket expense. Do not forget there are teens also in foster care, so they will also need some adult size shoes, just keep in mind what a teen would wear.

This is an easy way to get involved with foster care by helping out, without having to make a long term commitment.

Go dig in your closets, look in your tubs of outgrown clothes and find some shoes to help foster children in need. If you have been looking for a reason to go shopping, here it is, pick up a couple of pair shoes while you are out.

The "Hearts to Soles" campaign will conclude with a rally on the steps of the Alabama State Capitol on May 1st at 9:00 a.m. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.

If you live in Alabama here is the list of drop off sites.

If you do not live in Alabama send shoes to the address below.
Hearts to Soles Campaign
Alabama Secretary of State
P.O. Box 5616
Montgomery, Alabama 36103-5616

Child Abuse Prevention Resources in your state from Foster Adoption Blog.