Columbus Area Foot Care Store Taking Japan Shoe Donations

By: Foot Solutions | 18 Shares 147 Reads

COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 23, 2011 // PRNewswire // -- Foot Solutions in Upper Arlington, Ohio (www.footsolutions.com/upperarlington) and Soles4Souls (www.giveshoes.org) have joined forces to bring shoes to victims of the devastating earthquake in Japan.

Foot Solutions Upper Arlington is collecting footwear to support Soles4Souls' commitment to donate footwear to affected areas in Southeast Asia. From now through the end of April, customers at Foot Solutions Upper Arlington will have the opportunity to drop off a gently worn pair of shoes. All donations will directly support relief efforts. The store began collecting when the earthquake struck and already has several hundred pair.

Columbus area residents are invited to drop off their donations at Foot Solutions Upper Arlington in The Shoppes at Lane, 1731 West Lane Avenue, Space A-120, Upper Arlington, OH, 43221, phone: 614-488-3585.

Pat Fitzgerald, Foot Solutions Upper Arlington owner said she is proud to offer her customers a way to be charitable by giving a pair of shoes that is likely just collecting dust in a closet somewhere to those in need.

"As we continue to realize the magnitude of this disaster for our friends in Japan, we cannot forget how important basic necessities – such as shoes – will be in the ongoing rescue and rebuilding efforts," said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls. "We deeply appreciate the support of Foot Solutions Upper Arlington and their customers in helping us provide shoes to survivors."

Soles4Souls has partnered with organizations on the ground in Japan to transport and distribute the aid needed as the devastation from the earthquake continues to unfold. Since the charities inception after the Asian Tsunami in 2004, the shoe charity has continued to respond to natural disasters like the one in Japan with footwear that protect victims against foot-borne diseases.

About Foot Solutions Upper Arlington

Foot Solutions, a worldwide company with more than 250 franchise locations, including one in Upper Arlington, is devoted to helping its clients achieve better health through their feet and is a recognized leader in specialty footwear, custom inserts and technology driven health and wellness products. Foot Solutions is the world's largest and No. 1 ranked health and wellness franchise, focusing on foot care and proper fit.

About Soles4Souls®

Soles4Souls collects, recycles and reuses shoes from warehouses of footwear companies and closets from individuals. We distribute usable shoes to people in need around the world (we recycle less than 2% of donated footwear). Since 2005, Soles4Souls has given away over 13 million pairs of new and gently worn shoes (currently distributing one pair every 7 seconds). The shoes have been distributed in 125 countries, including Haiti, Kenya, Nepal and the United States.

Donating parties are eligible for tax advantages. Visit www.giveshoes.org or www.clothes4souls.org for more information.

SOURCE Foot Solutions Upper Arlington

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