Long Beach Foot Care Store Taking Japan Shoe Donations

Foot Solutions in Long Beach, California and Soles4Souls have joined forces to bring shoes to victims of the devastating earthquake in Japan.

Foot Solutions Long Beach 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 Long Beach will have the opportunity to drop off a gently worn pair of shoes. All donations will directly support relief efforts.  The store has collected many hundreds of pairs of shoes on behalf of Soles4Souls for the past six years. The need, of course, is even more pressing now.

Long Beach area residents are invited to drop off their donations at Foot Solutions Long Beach, 1811 Ximeno Avenue, Long Beach, CA, 90815 phone: 562-961-3200.

Karen Widerynski, Foot Solutions Long Beach 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 Long Beach 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.