30 Days of Justice: TOMS Shoes

One justice organization has not only become a staple of my own wardrobe, but of fashion around the world. TOMS Shoes sells trendy and comfy shoes, which in turn provide shoes for children all over the world with their One for One Movement. TOMS Shoes was founded on a simple premise: With every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for One. Using the purchasing power of individuals to benefit the greater good is what they're all about. TOMS was founded in 2006 by American traveler Blake Mycoskie. He saw a need in the world and he did his part to meet that need. But 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.

So through the TOMS Shoes website, you can purchase shoes for yourself, your child or our baby. There's other TOMS merchandise as well, including Tshirts, bags, jewelry and more. You can even sign up to attend a “Shoe Drop”, where they travel around the world giving the children shoes. TOMS Shoes grown in popularity over the past 4 years of its existence. A-list celebrities are seen in TOMS, a recent AT&T commercial featured Blake and TOMS Shoes, and Nordstrom department stores even carry a selection. It's incredible to see the dream of one man change so many lives in our world.