Starting a nonprofit takes hard work and dedication. From the beginning, the new venture requires funding, volunteers, a coordinated effort to address a specific need, distribution plans to expand access and a passion to help others.
Kris Horlacher, RN, BSN, knows this process well. She founded Shoes 4 the Shoeless (S4TS) which delivers brand-new socks and gym shoes to disadvantaged children throughout 21 southwest Ohio counties.
An ER nurse by trade, Kris was managing an after-school program for homeless children when she noticed that many of the kids wore shoes that didn’t fit.
“I saw how damaged their feet were from wearing shoes that were too small, and that is where my background kicked in,” she explains. “There are very few people working in this area, and it drew my attention to that specific need. I started the nonprofit and here we are.”
Children who live in families who are struggling financially receive shoes and socks through an in-school delivery program. A professional staff and 50 volunteers attend each event, working one-on-one with students to measure their feet and make adjustments to ensure a proper fit. The team sets up over 2,000 pairs of brand-new gym shoes and socks in the school gym and the process begins! Over 600 volunteers participate each month.
Since its inception in 2010, the nonprofit has helped about 220,000 children including children at Dayton Children’s Hospital. They serve over 100 schools and organizations in 22 counties throughout Southwest Ohio. But, they just reach the tip of the iceberg. This is a need that never ends. The need to expand the organization is at the heart of who they are as a team.
“We are the first responders to an unseen trauma. A pair of shoes that fits and is fit to wear along with socks, is one of the biggest unmet healthcare needs for children in poverty,” Kris explains. “The work of children is to run, jump and play. When their feet hurt, they don’t want to do anything that requires movement.”
Greg Fay started volunteering with Shoes 4 the Shoeless 10 years ago after hearing about the program through SouthBrook Christian Church.
“God has blessed me far more than I deserve. I love giving back and using the blessings that He has provided me to affect others’ lives,” he explains.
For Greg, helping children is especially important and he emphasizes that, “Kris has this volunteer opportunity fine-tuned like a well-oiled machine.” Part of his volunteer efforts includes fitting shoes and entertaining children as they wait their turn in line, eager to get into the gym for their new shoes.
“The program has expanded so much, and it runs smoother than ever,” he offers. “You show up, get plugged into a spot, you serve and then you leave knowing that you made a difference.”
Greg shares that volunteering through a donation of time or financial support is a chance to see an immediate impact in the community.
“As a volunteer, it will change your life. It changes kids' lives and it changes the volunteers' lives just as much,” shares Kris.
The work is challenging and the hours are long, but for the S4TS team, the effort is vital because the impact of taking on an under-addressed issue is powerful.
“Easily 70% of the kids we see have never worn shoes that fit,” she says. “The kids are overjoyed. We bring relief from pain, worry and being cold, so they run and play normally. It’s the most joyful moment to witness.”
For more information, e-mail info@shoes4theshoeless.org or visit Shoes4theShoeless.org.
“As a volunteer, it will change your life. It changes kids' lives."