Hearts and Soles: TOMS Shoes Bring Health to Children in Need

Since 2010, AmeriCares has worked with TOMS to deliver new shoes to impoverished children in Guatemala and other countries around the world — including Uzbekistan, the Philippines, Armenia, and El Salvador.Expressions of joy lit up the faces of the young schoolchildren in Los Pinos, Guatemala as they ran and played — each one sporting a brand-new pair of TOMS Shoes.Before the distribution, the children sat patiently but excitedly to be called by name to receive their shoes. When called, many stopped at the “pila,” a cement well, to wash up before wearing their shoes for the first time.“The children were thrilled, and said ‘thank you’ many times over,” said Katie Ulin, AmeriCares Senior Associate, who participated in the distribution of TOMS Shoes to kindergarten, first- and second-graders in schools throughout the community. Since 2010, AmeriCares has worked with TOMS to deliver new shoes to impoverished children in Guatemala and other countries around the world — including Uzbekistan, the Philippines, Armenia, and El Salvador.  

For these children, new shoes are often hard to come by.  Many go barefoot over rough terrain in order to get to school or play outside — making them susceptible to painful cuts, foot infections and intestinal worms that penetrate the body through the feet.  

Taking steps toward good health 

The new TOMS Shoes pave the way for a healthier future for so many children — including 7-year-old Amir of Uzbekistan. Amir, who attended a summer camp run by our partner, Soglom Avlod Uchun, explained that he wants to be a policeman when he grows up. Immediately upon receiving his new shoes, Amir put them on his feet and wore them for all camp activities. Now as he grows and works toward his ambition of protecting the public, Amir’s feet will be safe, too!The new boots ensure that Grigor has warm, safe footwear for school and play during the cold Armenian winters.For children living in countries with harsh winters, TOMS gives new winter boots. Grigor, 6, from Armenia, lives with his mother, who works hard to make ends meet. Grigor’s father passed away 5 years ago, and the family’s total monthly income of $103 is barely enough to get by. The new boots ensure that Grigor has warm, safe footwear for school and play during the cold Armenian winters.

As part of its socially conscious One for One® model, TOMS gives a new pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair of shoes purchased. And it doesn’t stop with one pair: TOMS promises to replenish with new shoes, as often as every 6 months to accommodate the children’s growing feet. In order to do this, TOMS collaborates with “Giving Partners” — humanitarian and health organizations, including AmeriCares, who distribute the shoes.Thanks to TOMS and the allocation capacity of our partners, many more children are leading healthier lives — one step at a time.Donate Now