It’s that time of year when your son or daughter tries on last year’s shoes and — surprise! — they no longer fit. Help your kid donate his shoes to a local or national charity making a global impact. Here’s how:
The Shoe Bank – This North Texas organization accepts used children’s shoes at local Shoe Bank depositories. Donation sites include Run On! locations; area YMCA locations; 160 elementary schools in the Dallas-Fort Worth area; and many more (see www.shoebank.org/locations). Donated shoes go to North Texas families in need. 972/771-7658; www.shoebank.org
Nike Reuse-a-Shoe – Nike collects used athletic shoes of any kind and utilizes the shoe materials to create Nike Grind, a material used to make track and other athletic surfaces. Donate at local Nike stores (in Dallas and at Allen Premium Outlets) or send your shoes to the Nike Recycling Center (26755 S.W. 95th Ave., Wilsonville, OR 97070). www.nikereuseashoe.com
Hope Runs – Want to have a more global impact with your donation? Send gently used children’s athletic shoes to Hope Runs, a Kenyan-based nonprofit that uses running to help boost the self-confidence of local orphan children (2831 Prince St., Berkeley, CA 94705). www.hoperuns.org
