Last Updated on August 6, 2009 by Paulette Brown-Hinds

Every 13 seconds, Soles4Souls Inc. gives away another pair of shoes to someone in need. The shoe charity has earned glowing endorsements from Hollywood stars and professional athletes, but the people who truly make the non-profit organization effective are those who partner with Soles4Souls in its mission of Changing the World One Pair at a Time ™.

That’s where local students are getting involved—by becoming the hands and feet of Soles4Souls in Redlands. In addition to helping Soles4Souls reach needy people around the world, Redlands Church of Christ youth group is also raising critical funds for their own programs.

“At this time of year, when we are scrambling to buy back to school items for our kids, we thought this fundraiser would be a good way to raise awareness about those in need of the most basic living essentials. Not only does it help a great cause, but it is a unique way to fundraise for our youth group. We are looking forward to this service project.  We’re hoping that while people shop for back to school clothes and supplies they can donate five to ten dollars to help a child somewhere who cannot afford shoes,” says Jeff Partain, Youth Minister, Redlands Church of Christ.

Like many other schools and organizations, Redlands Church of Christ often utilizes fundraising programs to generate critical revenue for its operations and goals.

The Soles4Souls program provides an innovative alternative to traditional fundraisers, so students are able to raise money while making a significant difference in the lives of others.

Here’s how the program works:

·        Students collect monetary donations from family, friends, teachers and neighbors for the purchase of new Soles4Souls clogs or flip-flops.

·        Soles4Souls ships the shoes directly to people in need, domestically and internationally.

·        For every pair of $5 flipflops or $10 clogs sponsored, the school organization receives 40% of the proceeds in the form of a check from Soles4Souls, along with unique incentives for students and the programs they are representing.

“We are excited to host the BACK TO SCHOOL SOLES4SOULS FUNDRAISER at Redlands Church of Christ,” states Partain. “With this program, we are hoping to further plant the seed of philanthropy in our youth, congregation and community.”

To participate or find out how you can make a difference, visit the website at WWW.RedlandsCoC.org.