Southern Ohio Soles is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2023 with a simple mission: to provide brand-new, name-brand sneakers to underprivileged students. What began as a small initiative in Jackson County has grown into a regional effort, now reaching students in Jackson, Vinton, and Pike Counties.

Through school partnerships and student representatives, we have already expanded our outreach to more than 10,900 students and counting. Our long-term vision is to cover every county in Southern Ohio, ensuring that no child goes without the dignity and confidence of walking into school with proper shoes.

At Southern Ohio Soles, we believe that something as simple as a pair of sneakers can make a lasting difference in a child’s life.

What we do:

Map of Ohio showing three counties in blue in the southern part of the state.
A detailed black silhouette of a butterfly with patterned wings

Our Process:

1. Counselors Identify Students.

School counselors and staff complete an order form, letting us know which students are in need of new shoes.

2. Orders Are Processed.

The Southern Ohio Soles team collects the sizes and requests, then secures brand-new, brand-name sneakers for each student.

3. Student Reps Step In.

Our student reps play a key role in fulfilling these orders. They assist with sorting, organizing, and delivering the shoes within their schools.

4. Shoes Are Delivered.

Shoes are delivered directly to the students, making sure each pair goes to the right child with dignity and care.

5. Confidence Is Built.

Every new pair of sneakers gives a student the comfort and confidence to learn, play, and succeed.