SOLES4SOULS® JOINS KEEP CALIFORNIA BEAUTIFUL AND 1-800-GOT-JUNK? FOR STATEWIDE SHOE RECYCLING CAMPAIGN
The organizations launch ‘Turn Up The Sole’ Campaign to recycle 50,000 pairs of shoes in California
Nashville, TN—June 19, 2012—Residents in California can add a shoebox to their recycling collection bins for a limited time. Soles4Souls, the international shoe charity, announced their Turn Up The Sole campaign in California today in partnership with Keep California Beautiful (www.keepcabeatiful.org) and 1-800-GOT-JUNK? (www.1800gotjunk.com). The charity’s recycling initiative is connecting thousands of individuals around the Sunshine state to recycle their new or gently worn shoes.
From June 15th through August 15th, individuals, organizations and businesses across California can sign up to participate in the recycling campaign—and can also drop off their shoes at one of the designated 1-800-GOT-JUNK? or Keep California Beautiful locations. Participating areas include Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, Los Angeles Metro, Fresno, South Bay area, and Silicon Valley.
“Since Soles4Souls accept all types of shoes: athletic, running, dress, sandals, pumps, heels, work boots, cleats, dance, flip flops, that are new or gently worn; there is a fantastic option for all Californians to take part in the reuse program which reduces the strain on our local environment and conserves natural resources,” said Christine Flowers, Executive Director of Keep California Beautiful.
“Soles4Souls hopes to prevent shoes from ending up in landfills by finding a home for them elsewhere,” said Kevin Goughary, CEO of Soles4Souls. “Our friends at Keep California Beautiful set the precedent by teaching the public about the reuse and recycle movement, and now it’s time to remind them of how recycling your old shoes can drastically improve someone’s life.”
The shoes collected will be donated to Soles4Souls and used to help individuals in need. With 1 in 4 people living in adverse poverty around the world, many do not have access to appropriate footwear.
“Donating viable items is the number one way 1-800-GOT-JUNK? keeps items from entering the waste stream. By partnering with Soles4Souls we are able to commit not only to our charitable goals but to our environmental sustainability goals as well,” said Natalie Burgwin of 1-800-GOT-JUNK?.
How to sign up?
Any California resident interested in being a collection point or dropping off shoes for recycle can visit www.giveshoes.org/californiarecycles. During the entire campaign, in the Sacramento area, community members and businesses can donate shoes collected, seven days a week at Storage Pro 21st and R Self Storage.
Why are shoes important?
Footwear is the first step to helping people in impoverished areas live healthy, productive lives. Footwear can help eliminate the spreading of diseases through the foot, as well as help children get an education—since many schools have footwear requirements to attend.
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About Soles4Souls®, Clothes4Souls®, and Hope4Souls®
Soles4Souls collects new shoes to give relief to the victims of abject suffering and collects used shoes to support micro-enterprise efforts to eradicate poverty. Soles4Souls’ other two divisions, Clothes4Souls and Hope4Souls, provide the same relief and support through clothing and other necessities. Donating parties are eligible for tax advantages. Visit www.giveshoes.org, www.clothes4souls.org, or www.hope4souls.org for more information.
About Keep California Beautiful
Keep California Beautiful, Inc., is an environmental education non-profit 501c (3), whose mission is to work together to ignite individuals, state and local governments, communities, and corporate responsibility through strategic initiatives and volunteer action to preserve and protect California’s beautiful natural resources for generations to come. As the State Affiliate of Keep America Beautiful (KAB), KCB coordinates with the KAB Local Affiliate programs throughout the state and leverages regional community based programs. KCB forms public/private partnerships and programs that engage individuals to take greater responsibility for improving their community environments. For additional information, visit www.keepcabeautiful.org
About 1-800-GOT-JUNK?
1-800-GOT-JUNK? is pioneering an industry that is helping residents and businesses remove junk and regain space. Whether it’s a pile of household junk in the garage or a warehouse full of office furnishings, 1-800-GOT-JUNK? removes it for you, making the ordinary business of junk removal exceptional. We are passionate about recycling and donating to charity. 1-800-GOT-JUNK? was founded in 1989 and now operates throughout North America and Australia. Please visit us at 1800gotjunk.com.
615-391-5723, elizabethk@giveshoes.org
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