Whether you call them gym shoes or sneakers, they’re a big deal in some neighborhoods.
That’s why Chicago nonprofit Hearts with Soles is shining a light on the often-overlooked issue of sneaker-related bullying.
The group has a new partnership with the Chicago Police Department that’s trying to bring attention to the problem.
“I started my organization because I noticed that there was a need in the community where students were kind of suffering from footwear insecurity,” said Derrick Robinson, CEO and founder of Hearts with Soles. “Footwear insecurity leads to sneaker-related bullying. There was a season in my life where I was teased for the sneakers that I was wearing for a little while and this is kind of what inspired me to do what I’m doing.”
This year the Chicago Police Department is participating in the shoe drive. Collection bins can be found in all 22 police districts, at the police academies and at CPD headquarters.
“They don’t have to be the most expensive shoes,” Robinson said. “They have to be quality shoes, new or gently used. We are looking to help provide shoes for kids that are in elementary school, middle school, and high school.”
The collection drive runs until August 1.
The shoes will be distributed to children in need in the fall.
