Special-edition, Congolese-inspired TOMS Shoes
We're teaming up with Giving Partner Eastern Congo Initiative (ECI), an advocacy and grant-making organization founded by Ben Affleck, on two Congolese-inspired designs with an additional give. Read More >>
TOMS x charity: water - An Eyewer collaboration
TOMS and charity: water, an organization founded in 2006 (like TOMS!) that’s dedicated to to helping bring clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations, join forces for the first-ever TOMS Eyewear collab! Read More >>
Giving TOMS Shoes in the DRC
Founded by Ben Affleck in 2010, ECI is an advocacy and grant-making organization that works with and for the people of DRC, the third most populous country in Africa, and one that struggled under a cycle of violence for nearly 20 years – particularly in the east. Read More >>
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How TOMS gives shoes with Feed the Children, Honduras
For over 30 years, Feed The Children has worked to provide aid around the world using its four pillars approach. It is through this approach, which includes programs in Food & Nutrition, Water & Sanitation, Health & Education and Livelihood Development, that all elements work together to provide the best possible outcome, giving each community a stake in their success.
Monica, Director of Feed The Children’s programs in Latin America, tells us that TOMS Shoes fit seamlessly into the Health & Education component. In Honduras, shoes are often distributed in schools, alongside uniforms and backpacks with school supplies to children like 10-year-old Karen.
Karen is a cheerful girl and a dedicated student who lives with her brothers and grandparents in Honduras. She wakes up at 5 every morning to help her grandfather collect plastic bottles from the landfill behind their small community. When she’s not helping her family work, Karen focuses on her schoolwork, where she is an outstanding student, plays soccer and is actively involved in community events.
Karen recently received her first pair of TOMS Shoes when Giving Partner Feed The Children distributed them at her school. For Karen and her family, the TOMS distribution was a special experience. Before receiving her TOMS, she did not have shoes to attend school regularly and wore the same sandals as she did walking through the garbage dump.
“I am thankful for my new shoes,” Karen shared shyly. “They are comfortable and light. I can wear them to school and play soccer.”
Monica said that in Honduras, Feed The Children field staff treats the distribution like an exciting celebration. Kids receive a fresh meal, education on health and hygiene and their new shoes. The greatest impact TOMS Shoes have though, she explained, is the opportunity to improve self-esteem and help keep children in school, creating more long-term opportunities for both the children and their families.
“TOMS are a small piece [of] the puzzle to help alleviate poverty,” Monica said. “But they’re such an important piece for Feed The Children because they tie into education.”
To learn more about how we give shoes with Feed The Children, take a look at this album on Facebook.
