Stepping Up: How the Shoe Drive Delivered 80 Cleats and is Helping Transform Lives on the Field

SALEM, Ore. – Back in January, CFC launched a “Shoe Drive” with a goal of gathering cleats to help local community partners have access to proper soccer cleats. 

Thanks to our community's generous donations, we were able to secure more than 80 pairs of soccer cleats! Partnering with One Thousand Soles, the donations will be directly supporting participants of GRASSP and Salem For Refugees (SFR) who are in need of proper soccer footwear.

For more than 10 years, One Thousand Soles has been a teen-championed community shoe source for children and teens in-need. Located in the basement of Ike Box, the Shoe Room is managed and run by teenage volunteers who gather, clean, and organize shoe donations so community members can help those in need.

Laurie Shaw Casarez is the Youth Outreach and Education Coordinator for the City of Salem and leads all efforts of One Thousand Soles. With her leadership and guidance, Laurie organized volunteers to support our CFC drive. 

“One Thousand Soles was developed as a teen leadership development program and for the purpose of having youth advocate for their peers experiencing homelessness,” Laurie shared. “A decade later, the collection and distribution program has expanded beyond that to any child, youth, and young adult in great need of shoes. It is a snapshot of our community’s needs, of local family’s needs, and kids too. Because we average 50-100 pairs of shoes per month-- selected by our community partners from our shoe room— it really gives you a sense of how many people are struggling out there.”

Henry Baker of West Salem High School is one of the volunteers at One Thousand Soles. He shared, “Joining the 1000 souls initiative when I was a freshman goes beyond merely gathering shoes for your school mates. It’s about forging a strong sense of community and offering a chance for others to thrive. Personally, I’ve discovered that collecting, cleaning, and organizing the shoe closet so other teenagers can find their favorite pair is one of the most remarkable experiences. It’s about making a difference and witnessing someone leave with greater confidence, knowing that they are valued while walking around our community.”

In addition to GRASSP benefitting from CFC’s Shoe Drive, SFR is excited about supporting their soccer players with cleats. William Alvale is the Sports Director and Evangelism Pastor at New Hope Church and leads the refugee soccer team. 

When asked about the impact the shoe drive will have on his team, William shared, “Our team, named All Nations Soccer Oregon FC, greatly benefits from the shoe drive, as 98% of our players are refugees resettled in Salem through Salem For Refugees. Most have a deep passion for soccer but face challenges acquiring the necessary training gear, including cleats, especially during their initial months here. Your support in providing cleats is invaluable in helping them actively participate in the sport they love. Thank you once again for your support and collaboration. We are truly grateful for your generosity and willingness to assist our team and the refugee community.”

To everyone who donated soccer cleats during our shoe drive, thank you! Your generosity will continue to bless those in need and help youth feel more connected to soccer with proper footwear. 

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