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What started as a small project for Loving Soles, has grown over time to become arguably the largest shoe collection drive in South Florida – certainly in recent years.
This project has been a student-led initiative since 2019 with three teenagers — siblings Sophia, Susanna, and Christopher Inguanzo, having been the driving forces of this program.
During the past few years, their efforts have resulted in the collection of over 50,000 pairs of new and gently worn shoes that have been donated to the homeless in South Florida.
Since 2019, many schools and communities across Miami-Dade and Broward counties have participated, resulting in the much-needed shoes to benefit a growing population that is in great need.
“It’s been incredible to see the outpour of love from the community. In a world riddled with so much negativity, this display of generosity restores hope and faith in humanity,” said Hilda M. Fernandez, Camillus House CEO. “Perhaps that is the greatest miracle and the greatest impact — that lives are changed for both the giver and the recipient.”
Without their planning and prepping in advance, the shoe drives wouldn’t be as successful — the payoff of their hard work is enormous. This year, the teen’s efforts resulted in the collection of nearly 15,000 pairs of shoes. Several cities in South Florida have again participated: Bal Harbour Village, Bay Harbor Islands, Cooper City, Dania Beach, Doral, Fort Lauderdale, Golden Beach, Hallandale Beach, Key Biscayne, Miami Beach, Miami Lakes, Miami Shores, Miami Springs, North Bay Village, Pinecrest, Southwest Ranches, Surfside, West Miami, as well as the Miami-Dade County League of Cities.
State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle’s office has participated for the past three years, stating, “Our staff is proud to participate in the annual ‘Loving Soles’ shoe drive to benefit Camillus House. For the homeless in our community, a good pair of shoes can provide more than just physical comfort on their feet, but also that emotional step necessary to build a better life.”
This year, over 20 different schools participated, including many public, charter and catholic schools.
“The students and staff of all the schools who participate in the shoe drive are doing a great service for the homeless in our community and for who are in need of shoes — we couldn’t do this without their help and support” said Loving Soles organizer Christopher Inguanzo.
The Inguanzo siblings started this year’s shoe drive in March and it concluded in early May.
They spent months receiving, cleaning, sorting, and organizing the shoes and delivered to Camillus House for be distributed to those in need.
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