Share Your Soles settling into new Chicago home
July 12, 2012 4:22PM
Mona Purdy
Updated: August 14, 2012 6:27AM
Share Your Soles, the nonprofit that has distributed more than 1.5 million pairs of shoes to the needy worldwide, continues to seek volunteers and donations as it revamps its mission in the wake of its move from Alsip to Chicago.
The organization, founded by Richards High School graduate Mona Purdy, signed a lease last month for a 100,000-square-foot space at 900 E. 103rd St. in Chicago’s Pullman community, Purdy said.
“It’s amazing,” said Purdy, who for several years had operated out of Alsip before the landlord who had donated space there found a renter.
With more space, Share Your Soles now will collect and distribute bicycles in addition to shoes, walkers, wheelchairs, crunches and canes, Purdy said. Shoes can now be dropped off at a “shoe donation house” just outside the security gate of the industrial park at the new location.
Volunteer groups are welcome to help with a variety of duties from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays by prior arrangement, and on a drop-in basis from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays, Purdy said.
A fundraiser featuring soul music, raffle prizes and silent auction items is scheduled for 9 p.m. Aug. 11 at Reggie’s Music Joint, 2105 S. State St. in Chicago. Shoes can be donated at the door. To donate raffle or auction items, contact Annie West at (773) 653-9378.
An open house to celebrate the new location will be scheduled for Sept. 8, Purdy said.
For more information, visit shareyoursoles.org.
Staff reports
