Jamie Ellis, Soles4Souls vice president, strategic communications, shares via McKinney + Prosper Lifestyle the organization’s mission, how it serves communities like McKinney and the ways residents can get involved. Local contact Christine Ortega is the Texas senior manager, community partnerships for the nonprofit.
What is Soles4Souls, and who does the organization serve?
"Soles4Souls creates opportunities for people through shoes and clothing. Through our four key programs — 4Opportunity, 4Relief, 4EveryKid, and Solutions4Good — we create meaningful change in people’s lives and for the planet. Our work advances economic opportunity, educational access, physical health and emotional well-being. Since 2006, more than 107 million pairs of shoes and pieces of clothing have created opportunities for individuals and communities in 138 countries and all 50 US states."
How does the 4EveryKid program support homeless children in the McKinney area under the McKinney-Vento Act?
"Soles4Souls works directly with programs in our public schools and other community organizations that identify students who are experiencing homelessness to address their critical needs. These programs are often called McKinney Vento, or Homeless Education, programs. These partners know their communities inside and out, and are already providing other resources to these children and their families. Then we can come alongside them and give shoes."
What opportunities are available for McKinney residents to volunteer or support the 4Opportunity program?
"Soles4Souls has so many ways to engage with our mission. McKinney residents can support us by volunteering at the Regional Donation Center in Coppell, starting a shoe drive or donating financially. Local businesses can get involved by hosting a collection box or starting a shoe drive. We’re incredibly grateful to Personalized Touch in McKinney for hosting a collection box and doing a shoe drive with us."
How does Soles4Souls partner with McKinney ISD and local organizations to identify and assist children in need?
"We understand how important it is for each child to receive their new shoes as soon as possible, and our goal is always to get shoes to students as quickly as we can. Our partners ensure the shoes are provided in an intentional and discreet manner, keeping the dignity of the child in mind above everything else. While we aren't currently partnering with McKinney ISD, we've been able to serve thousands of students across Dallas and North Texas, and would love to continue to serve more students through new partnerships."
What can volunteers from McKinney expect when working at the regional donation center in Coppell?
"There are so many activities that happen at our Coppell warehouse, and all of the volunteer roles are vital to helping us fulfil our mission of creating opportunity through shoes and clothing. Volunteers sort and organize shoes, clothing and accessories by size, style and condition. They help us package and prepare items by counting, bagging or boxing shoes and clothing, ensuring they're ready for distribution. Volunteers also help with loading and unloading trucks and donation bins and managing inventory by weighing and recording processed items."
What are Soles4Souls’ long-term goals for expanding its impact in McKinney and surrounding communities?
"Whether you’re donating, fundraising or volunteering, your support reaches people both in McKinney and beyond, helping those in crisis, empowering entrepreneurs and reducing waste. The beauty of what we do is that we have so many ways to engage with us. While a pair of shoes might seem like a small thing, it can have a major impact."
"Soles4Souls works directly with McKinney Vento programs, public schools and community organizations to identify students experiencing homelessness, addressing their critical needs. A pair of shoes can have a major impact."