Share the Spirit Foundation, Inc.
One pair of amazing shoes, a world of confidence.
We have provided over 24,844 pairs of new shoes to children in need.
Our Foundation
Share the Spirit Foundation, Inc. believes that a new pair of shoes does more than cover a child's feet. It restores dignity, sparks joy and encourages active, healthy play. With the right shoes, children walk taller, move more freely and step into the world with great confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Collaborating with school officials is at the core of our mission. By working closely with teachers, administrators and social workers, we are confident we can identify children who require assistance.
Children often already receive hand-me-downs, used shoes or discarded shoes that do not fit properly. We want to ensure that every pair of shoes fit perfectly. Thus, our fundraising efforts provide the monetary means to buy new shoes and socks.
Throughout the year we organize multiple fundraisers, helping to gather the necessary funds. Additionally, we warmly welcome donations and actively pursue grants. Since we are an all-volunteer organization, our fundraisers are specifically designed to support the acquisition of new shoes.
Contact us with our form here! We would be happy to include your name on our list of volunteers. Thank you so much.
We have a donation page here! We are most grateful for any amount of contribution. Thank you so much. We are a 501c3 foundation. All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowable under law.
Share the Spirit Foundation's History
Meet Karen Voepel (pictured left) and sister-in-law, Tonya Voepel (pictured right) founders of Share the Spirit Foundation, Inc.
Share the Spirit Foundation was the dream of Karen and Tonya after participating in the 2002 Avon Breast Cancer Walk and raising close to $5,000. Personal experiences along with family and friend support gave them the idea of providing new shoes to underserved children.
Established in 2003, they focused on serving their home communities in Colorado and Illinois. Since then, they have partnered with school officials and teachers along with other local organizations to create a one-on-one shopping experience unique to each individual child. They have expanded their outreach to over 14 states.
With the help of an all-volunteer organization, each child is given the opportunity to choose from a selection of brand-new shoes. Share the Spirit Foundation believes that a new pair of shoes does more than cover a child's feet, it restores dignity, sparks joy and encourages active, healthy play. With a good pair of shoes that fit well, children walk taller, move more freely and step into the world with greater confidence.
Shoe Store Partners
