My name is Ana Maria. I work on the “shoe-giving” side of TOMS and Friends of TOMS (TOMS’ non-profit).  My most sincere apologies for not personally updating you all on the USA Shoe Drops throughout the past two weeks. It was an amazing whirlwind full of fun, smiles, early mornings, sharpie marks, and happy feet.

Now that I’m back in the office, here is my attempt to put it all in a nutshell …

Over the course of two weeks, nearly fifty friends of TOMS volunteered their time and energy to give shoes and host Style Your Sole parties for children in Gulfport, MS; Orlando, FL; and Booneville, KY.

In Gulfport, we had volunteers from AZ, CO, LA, AL, and CA. Several TOMS employees were also on hand as we visited eight elementary schools in four districts affected by Hurricane Katrina and more recently, Hurricane Gustav.

This group really got the momentum started with their creativity and enthusiasm for designing their new pair of TOMS. One little girl in particular covered her mouth with her hands, gasping in excitement after we assured her class that they could keep their creations and take them home! Seriously a precious moment (why didn’t I have a camera planted on my head?!?).

Orlando brought some more artists out of their shells and more friends of TOMS together. Volunteers from FL, NC, and TX visited four schools in central Florida. We were brought to these locations through a local organization that has been providing shoes to children in the area for ten years.

The highlight of the Orlando Drops was definitely one little boy during the first day. After finishing his work of art on his new shoes, he murmured something to his teacher as he left the room. The teacher then asked him to turn around and say it to the group of volunteers. And I quote: “This is the BEST day of my LIFE!” … Is your heart melting right now?!? We all wanted to take this kid home! This was an awesome testament to the care and love the volunteers showed that boy and all of the other children. Whether it was fitting their TOMS on their feet or holding down a stencil so they could draw the perfect flower – the volunteers truly made every moment memorable for all the kids.

Booneville, KY was our only one-day/one-school Shoe Drop. It was great to see Kentucky locals meet up with volunteers from Tennessee, Michigan, Texas, and California! Everyone had great spirits about providing shoes and a fun day for children in one of the poorest counties in the nation. There was one kid who didn’t want draw on his shoes because he said they were too nice and another who shouted he was going to wear his “forever”!  It’s amazing what a gift (especially one you can draw all over) can do for a kid.

Each Shoe Drop location was unique but similar in the sense that we could provide an equally fun day for all involved. Yes, some children did not need new shoes or a festive day (they have parents who can provide for their needs and/or emotional attention), but for the ones we met whose shoes were too small/big/tight/worn out or just needed a smiling face and hug, the day was for them – a day where everyone got the same opportunity to have a new pair of shoes and be their own designers.

Though some volunteers may have come out with sore knees/backs or quasi-permanent sharpie tattoos, their dedication to make it all happen, one pair at a time, was inspiring and what really made it all happen.

Thank you to everyone who helped make our first USA efforts possible and such a success – all Friends of TOMS, school administrators, local organizations, local businesses, and all the friends and families who supported the volunteers in getting involved with the One for One movement. It was truly amazing to do something in our own backyard and we hope that it’s only the beginning!

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Tags:   ana maria · The Giving Side · usa shoe drop
Categories: The Giving Side4 Comments