Saving soles, one pair at a time

DEXTER, Mo. -- It's something that we all take for granted. When we're ready to walk out the door at home to head for work, to a ballgame, to church or just to dine out with friends, one of the last things we reach for is a pair of appropriate shoes.

A local effort is underway to supply shoes to millions of men, women and children around the globe who are not as fortunate as many in the Western world.

Working "around the corner and around the world," Soles4Souls is a charity dedicated to helping those in need of footwear by taking new or "gently worn" shoes and directing them to those in need.

This week, members of Dexter's First Christian Church, led by transition interim pastor, Dr. Larry Colvin, joined in the initial efforts of churches across Missouri in becoming a part of the worldwide effort to collect and distribute footwear to the needy.

"There is a definite need," Colvin said. "Not only in Third World countries, but right here at home. We don't often think about our own neighbors being ones in need, but there are a multitude of children and adults in the U.S. who are benefiting from this charity, and it's heartwarming to know that our community is a part of this response."

Through the efforts at First Christian Church, literally hundreds of pairs of shoes have been gathered. The ever-increasing piles of footwear will continue to grow until they are shipped to Soles4Souls' headquarters in Nashville, Tenn., on Oct. 11.

Thus far through the efforts of Soles4Souls, shoes have been placed upon the feet of children and adults in more than 45 states and in 61 countries. In the aftermath of disasters, including hurricanes Katrina and Rita and the Asian tsunami, millions of pairs of shoes were delivered by Soles4Souls to the devastated areas to help aid in those relief efforts.

Local residents who would like to participate in the county's effort may do so by delivering their new or slightly worn footwear of any size and color to First Christian Church at 224 E. Stoddard St. in Dexter. Arrangements may also be made by calling the church at 573-624-4341.