In Ian’s Boots is a Mission for Soles

On Jan. 16, 2010, Holly Wastler-Miller and her husband, Ron Miller, received a phone call that forever changed their lives.

Their only child, 12-year old Ian, had suffered a traumatic brain injury in a sledding accident while on a Boy Scout trip. By the time they arrived at the emergency room, Ian had died.

After they shared their final goodbyes with their son, the coroner approached Holly and Ron and handed them a piece of paper. On the paper, found tucked in Ian’s snow boot, was a Bible verse:

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." 

It was "clearly a message to us, to persevere," said Holly Wastler-Miller.

Through their grief, Holly and Ron were able to turn a tragedy into a lasting legacy, a tribute to their son.

Using the concept of the verse, they created the charitable organization, In Ian’s Boots. Their mission is to provide shoes and boots to those in need as a message of Ian’s faith.

Recently, Holly and Ron were able to help two local families impacted by the flooding from Hurricane Irene.

The Shimko family and the Salamone family lost their belongings in the flood. In Ian’s Boots provided socks and several pairs of shoes for the families.

The organization helps local families and those in need in other countries. Several months ago, it shipped shoes to China for orphans. In October, it will ship 1,000 pairs of shoes to Honduras.

“It is a comfort to us to be able to do this,” said Holly Wastler-Miller. “Faith is very integral to our homes and our lives and by doing this, we feel pure joy.”

In Ian’s Boots has about 10,000 pairs of shoes in stock.

North Coventry Township gave the organization some property to use, which includes a 200-year-old caretaker house.

“About 97 percent of the shoes we receive are donated,” Holly Wastler-Miller said. “We are very particular about the shoes we give away, so all donated shoes are inspected and cleaned and sanitized many times before we send them out. We don’t send out a pair of shoes unless we would wear them ourselves.”

To donate new or gently used shoes or suggest someone in need of shoes or boots, call Holly Wastler-Miller at 610-970-8820 or e-mail to holly@iniansboots.org.

In Ian's Boots is a 501(c)(3) charity and financial donations are always welcome to help with the costs of cleaning, packing and mailing shoes and boots.

On Oct. 10, In Ian’s Boots will hold a golf tournament, dinner and silent auction at the French Creek Country Club. CBS3’s Beasley Reece will host the event. Philadelphia Flyer Brian Propp will be a guest celebrity player and will be available to sign autographs.

Check Birdie’s for Boots over the coming weeks for a list of available prizes to include art, sports memorabilia, fine jewelry, seasonal items, weekend get-aways, and more.

Holly Wastler-Miller and her husband talk about their story in a chapter in the book "From a Lullaby to Goodbye," by Patty McKenna.

"Working for others helps us tremendously," Holly Wastler-Miller said in the book. "We will persevere, and I know I will see Ian again and I’ll hear him call me Mom. And that will be pure joy.”