The Little Gym and Soles4Souls team up to donate shoes to the needy

By Anna Gunderson | August 1, 2012

The Little Gym is collecting gently used or outgrown shoes to benefit Soles4Souls, a charity that distributes footwear across the globe. The project is called “Big Hearts, Little Shoes.”

Beginning with the 2012-13 class season, families can drop off shoes in the Soles4Souls collection boxes that will be located in the lobbies of The Little Gym locations across the Valley. Season start dates vary by location, according to Michael Pavlik, co-owner of the Little Gym of Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, whose sessions begin Aug. 13.

“We can do more help through the gym than individually, so we are going to take advantage of that,” Pavlik said.

The two organizations are challenging families to donate one million shoes.

Soles4Souls’ mission has always attracted “little helping hands” in the past, but collaborating with The Little Gym is “taking it to the next level,” Kevin Goughary, CEO of Soles4Souls, said in a press release. “With the ‘Big Hearts Little Shoes’ program, we hope to rally a new group of ‘mini’ donors that will have a ‘mega’ impact on the world. It really is about kids helping kids and we’re thrilled to be a part.”

For more information, and to find a drop-off location near you, visit TheLittleGym.com/BigHeartsLittleShoes. You need not be enrolled in a class to drop off shoes.

“We are really excited for this program,” Pavlik said. “It’s a wonderful thing to be a part of.”

The Little Gym is a learning and physical development center for children ages 4 months through 12 years. Learn more at TheLittleGym.com.