About the Nonprofit
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The mission of In Jacob’s Shoes is to provide new and gently used shoes, school supplies and athletic gear to local children in need.
In Jacob's Shoes, is a 501(c)(3) public charity which gives children in need the opportunity to walk with pride, and go to school or play sports with dignity by providing new and gently used shoes, backpacks, school supplies and athletic gear to local children in need.
There are children in South Florida living in poverty and are teased because their shoes are old, dirty or torn. There are children in our schools who are wearing shoes that do not fit, or have soles that are detached or missing. Some are removed from their homes because of abuse or neglect and are then taken to a shelter to be “processed,” with little clothing and few personal belongings. Many will not get a new pair of shoes for back-to-school or will not be able to play sports because they do not have the right pair of shoes. It is difficult to believe that these tragic scenarios exist today, but for the nearly 20% of children in South Florida who live in poverty and the thousands more who live in foster care, some of these stories are only too familiar.
Since 2009, In Jacob’s Shoes has been addressing these issues and has provided over 135,000 pairs of new and refurbished shoes, 16,000 pairs of socks and 9,000 backpacks complete with school supplies for children in need living in Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade Counties. We purchase thousands of pairs of new shoes each year and also receive in-kind donations of new and gently worn shoes from the community, businesses, schools and volunteers. Volunteers assist in collecting, sorting, cleaning and restoring the gently worn shoes to pristine condition.
The shoes, backpacks and school supplies are distributed to children in need on a year round basis via requests made by schools, shelters, charities and social service organizations and agencies which have pre-qualified the children and families. The process is fast, efficient and anonymous, saving the child from unnecessary embarrassment.
