What to do with unwanted shoes? In Bend, OR a number of local businesses are collecting your unwanted, slightly used, practical shoes for those in need around the world.
Therisa Clawson of Cascade Insurance said they have just received their first collection box from Soles4Souls and are excited to start collecting footwear. With six shelves of shoes at home and an office full of employees and clients, she's expecting donations immediately.
"When I first heard about this, I thought wow, that would be really neat," said Clawson. "I liked the idea that it was the whole world but I really liked the idea that it was also within the United States."
Footzone, a shoe store in downtown Bend, teamed up with Soles4Souls about a year ago.
"A lot of people wondered what to do with their running shoes that are maybe too tired for running but maybe you can still wear around," said Dave Thomason with Footzone. "It makes people feel good that their shoes are getting used again."
They estimate they ship two boxes full of about 30 shoes every month. Some of the shoes donated at Footzone will stay in Central Oregon where they will be donated to high schools and given to athletes without the means to purchase new shoes.
Other collection locations are Fleet Feet and The McDonald Group in Bend.
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