We are thrilled to share the exciting news of our renewed partnership with the Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute for the upcoming Our Hearts to Your Soles event. This initiative is dedicated to providing shoes and essential support to individuals and families in need within our community. At Boger’s Shoes, we firmly believe that everyone deserves access to the comfort and dignity that a quality pair of shoes can provide. This event is a testament to our commitment to giving back and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those around us.
History:
In September 2004 when Matthew Conti, a high school student at the time, along with his father Dr. Stephen Conti, an orthopaedic surgeon in Pittsburgh, PA, established Our Hearts to Your Soles. After witnessing the impact of inadequate footwear during his summer volunteering at a local hospital, Matt recognized a significant gap in services for the homeless, as existing programs offered clothing but not shoes. This inspired him to create a non-profit dedicated to providing free medical foot screenings and shoes to those in need in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area.
On February 24, 2006, the organization held its inaugural event, successfully providing shoes to around fifty homeless men at Light of Life Ministries in Pittsburgh. The gratitude expressed by the recipients, many of whom wore ill-fitting shoes, highlighted the profound difference a simple pair of shoes can make in their lives. This experience reinforced the importance of compassion and support for those facing hardships.
By 2007, Our Hearts to Your Soles expanded its mission nationally, with the entire Conti family, including Chris and Laura, actively participating. The organization organized a Thanksgiving event that reached 35 locations across various states, thanks in part to a partnership with Red Wing Shoes, which generously donates thousands of shoes each year to support their cause.
Our Hearts to Your Soles is more than just a shoe drive; it is a community effort aimed at uplifting those who may be struggling. We understand that a good pair of shoes can significantly impact a person's well-being, mobility, and self-esteem. By coming together, we can create a positive impact, one pair of shoes at a time.
How You Can Help:
We invite you to join us in this noble cause. If you are interested in participating or learning more about how you can help, we welcome donations of gently worn shoes. These donations can be dropped off at our location at 845 Blanding Blvd., Orange Park, FL 32065, until November 20, 2024.
**Every pair of shoes collected will go directly to those in need, ensuring that they have the footwear necessary to navigate their daily lives with comfort and confidence.**
Thank you for joining us in our mission to turn compassion into action. Together, we can make a significant difference in our community and help those who need it most. Your support is invaluable, and we look forward to working alongside you to spread kindness and generosity through this initiative. Let’s step forward together and make a lasting impact!
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