Adam Gregory, Country Music Star, Hands Out Shoes at the Kansas City Rescue Mission

Adam Gregory, one of country's rising music stars, helped distribute shoes to homeless men in Kansas City during his current tour. This is the first stop in his nationwide tour that features Soles4Souls as his charitable partner.

Watch one of Adam's music videos here!

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Read this description of the event from NBC Action News, Kansas City:

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Rescue Mission’s chapel looked like a shoe store on Wednesday, as 90 men tried on brand new shoes donated by Soles4Souls, a Nashville nonprofit.

Tattered sandals, worn sneakers and dirty socks were discarded as young and old tried on brand-new Redwing, Irish Setter and other high-quality boots and shoes. Country music singer Adam Gregory helped distribute the shoes in the first stop in his nationwide charity tour.

“This is the first pair of shoes I’ve had that actually fit me,” said a man who wears a size 6-and-a-half shoe.

Members of Gregory’s band, along with Mission volunteers and staff also passed out new white socks to go with the shoes. Shelter staff say the new shoes will give many of the homeless the tools they need to find jobs.

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"We are very excited about this campaign between Soles4Souls and rising music star Adam Gregory," said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls. "Even though he's only 23 years old, he is an amazing talent and also demonstrates his deep commitment to charitable causes and giving back to his fans. We are extremely proud to count him as a friend."

The ten-week tour includes dates in 25 different cities, beginning Jan. 19 and running through March 31, 2009. Gregory will partner with a radio station in each market to provide a unique concert event and singles mixer that targets local listeners.

Upon entry to the event, fans will be provided an opportunity to donate a new or gently worn pair of shoes or make a donation to the Soles4Souls organization. Individuals will then receive a numbered flip-flop and attempt to locate their "sole" mate with the other matching shoe. The evening concludes with a grand prize giveaway and full band performance by Gregory. Proceeds from each night's event will be donated to Soles4Souls.

Soles4Souls Provides Shoes For The Needy In Kansas City

The idea was to send help around the world, but the organizer changed her mind after seeing the need right here in the Metro.

It's a program meant to send shoes to people who need them most. Pairs have been sent to tsunami victims, hurricane victims and now they'll be used by folks in the Metro of Kansas City.

The owner of Hathaway Shoe, Jill Hathaway, knows shoes. She also knows the perfect pair is an unreachable luxury for some so she asked customers to donate gently used shoes to Soles4Souls.

"Customers are bringing in bags and bags and boxes and boxes, which is exciting for this whole program," Hathaway said.

Hathaway received about 2,000 pairs of gym shoes, boots, sandals. Originally, Hathaway thought Soles4Souls would help children around the world. That is, until she got a call from her own backyard.

"We have children here with very little. Literally, just the clothes off their backs," stated Rachel Larsen with Marillac.

Little feet needed big help at Marillac, a kids' psychiatric treatment center. Larsen called Hathaway looking for a donation of shoes without laces. Boxes of shoes are now coming into Marillac.

"We try as much as possible to keep things out of the facility that may harm the children or that they may use to harm themselves," Larsen said. "Donations are really what make Marillac run."

"I said, 'Gosh, could we be part of that,' because our clients obviously need a lot of things," Leslie Caplan with New House said. Directors at New House are picking up donations now too. 100 pairs of new shoes are helping women escaping abuse take a step in the right direction.

"They need to dress for success and have esteem. A new pair of shoes would do that. Does it for me," Caplan said with a laugh.

Soles4Souls runs through the weekend at Hathaway Shoes. Bring in a pair of gently used shoes and Hathaway will take a percentage off your purchase.