Collect
Community members, retailers and sponsors contribute new shoes, quality footwear and financial support.
2026 FEATURED GIVEBACK · THE BIG SOLE DROP
AN ANNUAL URBAN YOUTH CONSERVATION EXPERIENCE
Every step
should have
a purpose.
Sole Purpose™ is UYC’s annual community shoe giveback. This year’s experience—The Big Sole Drop—brings neighbors, partners and volunteers together to place quality footwear directly into the hands of people experiencing homelessness and hardship.
01
SOLE
PURPOSE™WALKING FORWARD, TOGETHER.
PURPOSE™WALKING FORWARD, TOGETHER.
WHY IT MATTERS
A good pair of shoes changes more than a walk.
For someone living without stable housing, shoes are transportation, protection, comfort and confidence. Worn or poorly fitting footwear can make it harder to reach services, attend appointments, work, stay healthy or simply move safely through the day.
Sole Purpose™ turns a practical need into a shared act of dignity. The goal is not to hand out leftovers. It is to provide new or excellent-condition shoes people can choose, wear and feel good in.
THE ANNUAL GIVEBACK
One community.
Thousands of steps.
Prepare
Volunteers sort by size and style, prepare a welcoming experience and coordinate outreach partners.
Give
People select footwear that fits their needs—with dignity, choice and no unnecessary barriers.
Connect
UYC and partners link guests to community resources, relationships and additional pathways when wanted.
FIND YOUR ROLE
Help put purpose
in every pair.
The date, collection locations and distribution partners for the next annual giveback will be announced as plans are confirmed.
FEROME’S PARTNER OUTREACH ASK
Invite people into
a specific role.
“I’m reaching out because Urban Youth Conservation is building the next Sole Purpose™ Big Sole Drop, our annual shoe giveback for people experiencing homelessness and hardship. We’re looking for partners who can donate new shoes, sponsor a specific event need, provide a collection or distribution location, volunteer a team, or connect us with people who can help. Would you be open to choosing a role—or introducing me to the right person in your organization?”
Every conversation should end with one clear next step: the contribution, the introduction, the decision-maker and a follow-up date.
Become a Sole Purpose™ partnerSOLE PURPOSE™