UPDATED: The Shirt Box Collects Shoes for Needy Detroiters Through May

UPDATED: The Shirt Box in Farmington Hills has announced it will extend its collection of new and gently used shoes and boots for metro Detroit non-profit, Heart 2 Hart Detroit through May. 

“The community support since the program’s inception has been unbelievable,” said co-owner Ron Elkus. “Unfortunately, the demand is great right now and shoes aren’t as commonly donated as canned foods or used clothing.”

The “Soles for the City” campaign, which started April 1, benefits Detroit’s homeless population. Thus far, more than 500 pairs of shoes have been collected.

Donations will be accepted Monday-Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., Thursday 9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m., at 32500 Northwestern Hwy.

According to the National Survey of Programs and Services for Homeless Families, Michigan had an estimated 1,825 homeless families on a single night in 2011 and Detroit had the third highest number of both homeless individuals (11,913) and persons in families (6,149) in the country in 2008.

“Footwear is often overlooked,” said Heart 2 Hart Detroit founder Larry Oleinick. “There continues to be an ever-growing need for new and gently-used shoes and boots among the homeless population that we serve.” 

Oleinick established the nonprofit in 2012; Heart 2 Hart Detroit distributes clothing, shoes, packed lunches and toiletries three times a week at Hart Plaza and the surrounding area and shelters.

The organization places an emphasis on building relationships by starting conversations and offering words of encouragement, with a goal of establishing a sense of consistency within a community that has little to rely on.

“The seasons are changing and as we begin to clean out our closet and tuck away our winter gear, it is important that we remember how much another person could benefit from the shoes that we may no longer have any use for,” said Ron Elkus, co-owner of The Shirt Box.

Fore more information about the Soles for the City shoe drive contact The Shirt Box at 248-851-6770.

For more information about Heart 2 Hart Detroit, visit www.h2hd.org or call 248-884-4434.

Source: The Shirt Box press release