Soles4Souls helping people one pair of shoes at a time

It's time to dig out those unused shoes at home -- boots, sneakers or dress shoes, no matter. This is Soles4Souls Week in Cape Girardeau.

Soles4Souls is a not-for-profit based in Nashville, Tennessee, established to help those in need receive a pair of shoes. Locally, this is one of those causes really connecting with donors and volunteers.

Since 2011, students at Southeast Missouri State University and other volunteers in the area have helped collect more than 41,000 pairs of shoes for the organization. They are back at it this week collecting shoes through Monday outside of Houck Stadium on Broadway.

"Any season, any style, any size," Soles4Souls student organization chapter adviser Cheryl Reinagel said in an interview with the Southeast Missourian. "From the ballet slippers to the boots in the barn."

For most of us, thankfully, it's hard to comprehend not having a good pair of shoes. It's such a basic need. But the need is real -- even in America. Children in poverty. A family hit hard after a natural disaster. Many need a hand now and then, and it's important to have organizations such as Soles4Souls around to help those without.

Hats off to all the volunteers. We hope you take some time before Monday to collect your old shoes and make a donation.