TOMS Shoes

If you are looking for a gift that not only gives but gives back, then TOMS shoes are the gift you should buy this season. When you buy a pair of TOMS shoes, you will not only get a pair of shoes but a child in need of shoes will also get a pair. Blake Mycoskie founded TOMS (short for tomorrow) shoes after visiting Argentina and seeing children in desparate need of shoes, a basic neccesity.

Here is what TOMS shoes has to say about this worthy cause...
Why shoes?
Most children in developing countries grow up barefoot. Whether at play, doing chores or just getting around, these children are at risk.

Walking is often the primary mode of transportation in developing countries. Children can walk for miles to get food, water, shelter and medical help. Wearing shoes literally enables them to walk distances that aren't possible barefoot.

Wearing shoes prevents feet from getting cuts and sores on unsafe roads and from contaminated soil. Not only are these injuries painful, they also are dangerous when wounds become infected. The leading cause of disease in developing countries is soil-transmitted parasites which penetrate the skin through open sores. Wearing shoes can prevent this and the risk of amputation.

Many times children can't attend school barefoot because shoes are a required part of their uniform. If they don't have shoes, they don't go to school. If they don't receive an education, they don't have the opportunity to realize their potential.

There is one simple solution...SHOES.

Of the planet's six billion people, four billion live in conditions inconceivable to many. Lets take a step towards a better tomorrow.
Above photo and website for TOMS shoes found here.