FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – In September 2022, the Allen County Public Library embarked on a new partnership with Changing Footprints to connect those in need to donated footwear at no cost.
After just a couple of months, more than 400 pairs of shoes have been collected at ACPL locations, sorted, classified, and distributed to people in need both in Allen County and across the world.
Changing Footprints is a volunteer-driven non-profit with five distribution locations in Indiana: Rushville, North Indy, South Indy, Greenfield, and Fort Wayne. The organization was established in 2005 and collects used shoes from a variety of sources including shoe stores, churches, schools, civic and governmental agencies, and more.
The group identified the ACPL branches as ideal collection locations because of its wide-ranging patron base. The partnership began with the Monroeville location and quickly expanded to other ACPL locations.
“We appreciate the partnership with the ACPL because it helps us connect with more people in our community. You may be surprised at how many people, especially children, need access to shoes,” said Cheryl Brockman, Changing Footprints coordinator and volunteer. “When the community rallies to meet those needs, everyone wins.”
Changing Footprints accepts all styles, sizes, and condition of shoes, including those without mates. Depending on condition, they will be distributed for others to wear or converted into playground padding or running tracks via the Nike Grind program.
“Lifelong learning and discovery is at the heart of Allen County Public Library’s mission. It can be difficult for someone to enjoy learning and discovery if they don’t have basic things like comfortable, weather-appropriate footwear,” said ACPL Director of Community Partnerships and Programs Beth Boatright. “We’re happy to partner with Changing Footprints to give our community an opportunity to donate shoes to those in need. The bins have a—pardon the pun—small ‘footprint’ in our branches, but a huge impact on our community.”
Community members interested in donating shoes to Changing Footprints, can find donation bins at the following ACPL locations: Aboite, Georgetown, New Haven, Waynedale, Grabill, Little Turtle, Monroeville, and Shawnee.