Sep 22, 2009 5:35 pm US/Central
Someone You Should Know: 'Shoe Messiah' Mona Purdy
ALSIP, Ill. (CBS) ―
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Mona Purdy is the founder and executive director of Share Your Soles, a nonprofit organization that collects and transports donated shoes to people in need all over the world.
CBS
When you think of helping people in need, donating food or money usually comes to mind. But have you considered what shoes could do? One very busy woman from the south suburbs sure has. CBS 2's Harry Porterfield reports that Mona Purdy is someone you should know.
She hadn't given it a thought until 10 years ago. That's when shoes became Mona Purdy's life. They're the heart of her organization "Share Your Soles." It started when she went running while on a visit to Guatemala.
"There were little kids running, and they had put hot tar on the bottom of their bare feet in lieu of shoes to run on this hot, gravel road," Purdy said. "And I told my kids what happened and my youngest daughter gave me a pair of shoes and said, 'when you go back, you can take these shoes with you.'"
Purdy started asking for donations of shoes and stored them in her home until...
"The neighbors complained. Actually the police came to my house on several occasions, called me a public nuisance," she said.
Nine-hundred thousand pairs of shoes later, Share Your Soles is housed in a 400,000 square foot warehouse in Alsip.
Purdy takes pride in responding to poverty and natural disasters.
"When the tsunami hit, I was the first on the scene with a 40-foot container of shoes in Sri Lanka," Purdy said. "I just got my civil bravery award from that country, which was a big honor to me."
In the 10 years of its existence, Share Your Soles has expanded to the point where it now receives shoe shipments from 38 states and four countries for distribution to more than 40 locations worldwide.
"I could bring 5,000 somewhere and there will be 10,000 people waiting in line," Purdy said.
Five hundred volunteers a week clean and pack donated shoes. They're inspired by those they help.
"I can imagine the look on their faces," said volunteer Reece Krider.
"I like to volunteer just because I know how it is to be struggling," said volunteer Vinny Malave.
From Purdy, they're learning the joy of giving back.
"I'm the happiest person I know. I wake up happy to be here," Purdy said. "And I love Mondays. I can't wait to get here on Monday."
So how did Purdy move her operation from her home to that giant warehouse? Well, just as she has helped people, people have helped her. The warehouse is a donation from Center Point Properties.
Share Your Soles is having a gala next month to celebrate its 10th anniversary.
Click here for more information on Share Your Soles.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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