In 2015, Jerry Hudgins was working 12-hour shifts at a warehouse when he read a church bulletin seeking volunteers for Catholic Charities. The message stuck with him, though he felt he was too busy to help. But then he remembered a pastor from his youth, David Ring, who had cerebral palsy. Ring’s message resonated: “I have cerebral palsy. What’s your excuse?”
Those words moved Jerry to action. He began volunteering at Catholic Charities, working with his friend Ping Enriguez to collect food for the pantry. After witnessing a family in need with holes in their shoes, Jerry realized he could do more: provide proper footwear to those in need. Thus, Sole Reason was born in 2016.
A Community Movement
It began as a grassroots effort, collecting gently used sneakers for those in need. To start, Jerry and Ping collected 3,000 sneakers. Ping suggested they use Facebook to promote their new program. A woman in Andover, Kansas saw their post and reached out for help with a fundraiser to get a service dog for her autistic child. The fundraiser involved collecting shoes, with the proceeds based on their weight. Sole Reason’s massive donation helped the family reach their goal and get the dog!
Sole Reason began gaining sponsors and shifted its focus to providing only new sneakers to children. To date, the organization has distributed more than 9,200 pairs of sneakers with support from 38 sponsors.
“Our mission is ‘Putting Sneakers on Feet and Smiles on Faces,’” Jerry says. “A new pair of sneakers can change a child’s life.”
More Than Footwear
For children, new shoes may mean a source of belonging, self-esteem, or relief from physical pain. Jerry vividly remembers delivering sneakers to a child wearing shoes two sizes too small, causing constant pain. In another instance, he brought shoes to three kids whose old pairs were unwearable.
Most of the recipients come from single-parent households or families living below the national poverty line. By partnering with schools, social workers, and teachers, Sole Reason donations reach those most in need.
“A lot of times, the new sneakers these kids receive are the only new things they get all year,” Jerry explains.
Community Support
Organizations like the 20/30 Club of Topeka, Advisors Excel, the Topeka Community Foundation, Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, and Lewis Toyota have been instrumental in Sole Reason’s success. The organization also relies on dedicated board members and volunteers who share Jerry’s passion for serving others. The organization is also largely successful due to his wife Becky’s support.
Jerry – who still works a 12-hour job outside of Sole Reasons – recognizes the team effort. “We definitely could not do what we do without the community support.”
Sole Reason also runs a used footwear program, collecting gently used shoes—free of holes—from local drop-off sites or through pickups. The shoes are sent to a nationwide program, cleaned and sent to families in Third World countries. In return, Sole Reason receives funding that helps sustain its efforts.
How to Get Involved
Each year, Sole Reason hosts a fun event at the Boys & Girls Club where they give away sneakers. They are also seeking businesses, churches, or individuals to partner with them and a van to assist with pickups and deliveries. Fundraisers are held throughout the year, with the largest being a two-day golf tournament in June.
To supporting Sole Reason visit FB @SoleReasonforkids or solereason.net.
“A new pair of sneakers can change a child’s life.” - Jerry Hudgins