Getting Rid of Shoes? Consider Donating Them to People in Need

Before you dump out your gently-used UGG boots because they're just so not your style anymore, consider donating them to someone in need.

There's an easy way to do that — it's through the 31st Annual Shoes for the Holidays Campaign, presented by the Anderson Podiatry Center.

Going until January 1, 2020, the shoe and sock drive is accepting any gently-used or new pairs of boots, shoes, and socks. They welcome footwear suited for all ages and styles, from baby's booties to women's dress shoes to men's work boots.

The need for these items is staggering, which is why the organization is hoping to bring in over 4,000 pairs of shoes and socks.

"One in five people in Larimer County currently lives in poverty," said Adriann Anderson, COO of Anderson Podiatry Center. "You need more than one pair of shoes and you can go through shoes pretty fast...the need just keeps recurring year after year."

This year's donations will go to six non-profits: Homeward Alliance, House of Neighborly Service, Junior League of Fort Collins Career Closet, Gabriel House, and Mary's Cradle.

"They...work together to meet people's needs," said Erin Bergstrom, co-facilitator of the event. "All of the agencies really like our shoe drive, because they stock up for the coming year."

People can drop off their items at any of the following locations (call for specific times):

• Anderson Podiatry Center - 1355 Riverside Ave. Suite C - (970)-484-4620
• Runner's Roost - 3500 S. College Ave. Suite 178 - (970)-224-9144
• Immanuel Lutheran Church and School - 4650 Sunview Drive - (970)-667-4506
• J. Day's Appliance - 132 E. 7th St. - (970)-669-1357
• Anderson Podiatry Center - 1440 N. Boise Ave. - (303)-469-2940
• Anderson Podiatry Center - 1950 Bluegrass Circle, Suite 150 - (307)-634-7062

To directly arrange a drop-off, contact Bergstrom at (970)-691-0320.

Businesses, schools, and other organizations are also encouraged to participate in the drive together. The campaign will provide them with a "Donate Here" poster to help rally the Northern Colorado community.

Those who want to volunteer with the drive can help with sorting the shoes and socks from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 4 at Immanuel Lutheran Church and School in Loveland.

"Normally, people many times would think about just discarding them [shoes] when there's still useful life left..." said Dr. Jim Anderson of Anderson Podiatry Center. "It's helpful to have people continue to [donate]. We thank you all."

To learn more about the 31st Annual Shoes for the Holidays Campaign, listen to the full "Tuned In to NoCo" interview with Adriann Anderson, Dr. Anderson, and Erin Bergstrom below.