A new pair of shoes may seem minor, but for many, new shoes are treasured – and much-needed – basics. After a successful shoe drive last year, staff with United Fitness Partners took a volunteer trip to the Dominican Republic with Soles4Souls, a nonprofit organization that creates sustainable jobs and provides relief through the distribution of shoes and clothing around the world.

During last year’s shoe drive, an impressive 20,317 shoes were collected. UFP teammates and club managers Chris Thompson and Anna Rivera went on the trip and helped serve nearly 800 children and their families. While visiting the Dominican Republic in mid-June, the staff members made a huge impact as they immersed themselves in the local culture and provided new shoes to kids in need.

“For those communities, it might look like we only brought shoes on the surface, but we actually did so much more. We gave those kids hope that things will get better. We gave one less thing that their mom would have to spend on and instead could take that money and buy a necessity with it. We also were able to provide in those moments some love to show kids that are usually being pushed away by outsiders, we were there with open arms to play with them and give them hugs and show them that this world isn’t all bad,” said Thompson.

Club manager Anna Rivera shared the importance their volunteering work had on the community. “For some, this is the first, and only, new pair of shoes they will ever receive. Let that sink in. Shoes are a necessity for proper hygiene and safety. Between the shoes and additional donated items, we were able to impact nearly 800 children and their families,” she explained. “This trip was important for many reasons. It was impactful in what it provided physically and emotionally. More importantly, it is not the only one of its kind and knowing that Soles4Souls is doing this kind of work ‘to disrupt the cycle of poverty,’ and that United FP continues to be a diligent partner makes me very proud to be affiliated with both.”

United Fitness Partners didn’t stop stepping forward to help others there! They also hosted a shoe drive from July 29-Sept. 6. This year’s drive was its fourth time partnering with Soles4Souls on a back-to-school drive. Every year, the partnership has increased collections. During the first two years, UFP exceeded a goal of 10,000 pairs of shoes, and as a result, participated in Soles4Souls’ program Ten2Give, where it was able to donate brand-new shoes and socks to local Boys and Girls Clubs in its communities.

Those interested in hosting a shoe drive or learning more about a Soles4Souls Global Experience should contact Megan Dodson at [email protected].