Back to Buckner.org Donate Shoes for Orphan Souls With Buckner, the gift of shoes can be the first step in a transformational journey. Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls®, the largest humanitarian aid project of Buckner International, provides new shoes and socks to orphans and vulnerable children in the United States and throughout the world. When you donate new shoes through Buckner, they will be received by one of the world’s most vulnerable children. And while Shoes for Orphan Souls serves children all over the world, 20 percent of our shoes stay in the United States, offering hope to children in communities just like yours. Since 1999, Buckner has distributed more than 4 million pairs of new shoes and socks to children in 83 countries. Why shoes matter New shoes put children on a path to: Shoes protect against disease and infection. In many developing countries, children walk barefoot in muddy, rocky terrain to gather clean water or go to school. Parasites and diseases, including hookworm, jiggers and tetanus, can enter the body through cuts in the feet. These illnesses can stunt a child’s growth and development, as well as cause lifelong mental damage. Shoes lower barriers to school attendance. Many schools around the world require children to wear shoes to attend, but for many poverty-stricken families, shoes are a luxury they cannot afford. Studies also show that children who are healthy are more likely to be successful in school and have higher attendance, increasing their chances of obtaining an education and rising out of poverty. Shoes demonstrate worth and God’s love to orphans and vulnerable children. Typically, children in orphanages share everything —they do not have a single possession of their own. New shoes provide hope for these children that someone out there cares about them and loves them unconditionally. Shoes connect families to holistic ministry. For many families, receiving shoes is often the first step to connect them to critical services, ministry and mentoring at the Buckner Family Hope Centers in their communities. Hope Center staff help families make plans for transformation and walk alongside them as their lives are transformed. Why new shoes? New shoes last longer, and as a gift to a child with few possessions, they communicate volumes about his or her inherent worth. Simply put, we think the children we serve are worth it. From the Blog Thank you, Veterans! Honoring those who live in Buckner communities who served our nation through the Armed Forces At Buckner we have the opportunity and privilege of serving many men and women who have worn one of the uniforms of our armed services and we... Read more The 2021 Buckner Advent Guide is here! A free guide with devotions and activities for your family Do you remember waking up each morning and rushing to your Advent calendar to look behind the door and see what surprise awaited you there? Remember... Read more Get to your end-of-year goal line and keep the faith An update from Buckner President Albert Reyes If you feel 2021’s been the same kind of year 2020 was, you’re not alone. I’m right there with you. It’s almost like 2020 liked what it was... Read more More Blog Posts GET UPLIFTING STORIES OF HOW YOU CAN SHINE HOPE IN THE U.S. AND AROUND THE WORLD! We're excited to share with you all the ways you can shine hope to vulnerable children and families around the world. We invite you to stay connected with us while also growing in your own faith. Click below to get the latest news, updates and invitations to exclusive events from Buckner. And, we'll send you spiritual encouragement through our weekly Faith Focus devotion. You won't find these stories and resources anywhere else! Get the Updates 700 North Pearl St. Suite 1200 Dallas TX 75201 1-800-442-4800 Email facebook twitter instagram pinterest youtube HOME About Who We Are Financial Accountability Leadership Careers BOLD Contact Donate FAMILY PATHWAYS About FAQ Blog & Stories Contact SENIOR LIVING & CARE About Lifestyle Services FAQ Blog & Stories ADOPTION & FOSTER CARE Adoption Foster Care Post-Adoption Services Resources Blog & Stories Get Started Contact FAMILY HOPE CENTERS About FAQ Blog & Stories SHOES FOR ORPHAN SOULS® About Host a Shoe Drive Volunteer Deliver Shoes Resources Partners Blog & Stories © 2021 Buckner International. · Powered by The A Group Privacy Policy Notice of Nondiscrimination Social Media Guidelines Guías para Redes Sociales de Buckner