When The Explorers, one of UNCW’s Cornerstone Learning Communities, first began the UNCW chapter of Soles4Souls, they had no idea that their charity would become so helpful towards the disaster in Haiti. Soles4Souls is a Nashville-based charity that donates shoes to those in need all over the world.

For the fall semester of 2009, The Explorers CLC began a UNCW chapter of Soles4Souls. With the help of UNCW faculty members Michelle Manning, Dr. Barbara Michael and Jenny Adams, The Explorers were able to collect hundreds of shoes from the Wilmington community.

“One of the reasons we chose Soles4Souls,” Manning said, “is because it’s a charity we can trust-we know where our donations are going.” What they didn’t know was that an earthquake would strike Haiti, the home of Alain Pierre-Louis, freshman, and Jeanelle Johnson, freshman, both members of The Explorers CLC.

“When I heard about what happened, I wanted to find a way to help out at home, but I couldn’t get there, so this is like my duty and service project to Haiti,” said Pierre-Louis, whose family has been directly affected by the earthquake.

“I think it really makes an impact on the students’ attitudes now that they can put a face to the tragedy,” said Adams. “This charity is a great example of students really working together to make a difference.”

Soles4Souls accepts new, used and even broken shoes. They donate new and used shoes to those in need, both locally and worldwide, and they recycle ruined shoes. UNCW’s chapter of Soles4Souls will be collecting shoes and money donations in various locations around campus during the next few weeks. A drop-off box will be set up outside Kenan Auditorium Feb. 6 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“We can always use more-cash, checks, change, anything,” said Adams. UNCW’s Soles4Souls has collected so many shoes that they can’t afford to send them to the desired destinations. “If every student at UNCW donates 50 cents, then we’ll have more than enough to send our shoes to Haiti,” said Manning.

After experiencing a disaster which hit so close to home, the members of The Explorers CLC, especially Pierre-Louis and Johnson, want to expand their efforts toward Haiti.

“We want to hold a big fundraiser in late March,” said Manning. “We are also interested in creating a UNCW Steps Up program where we hope to adopt a Haitian orphanage.”

Pierre-Louis and his family plan on visiting this orphanage in June 2010, where they hope to adopt a new family member. Pierre-Louis will also bring shoes and other helpful resources to the orphanage.

UNCW’s efforts towards relief in Haiti are open to all students. Anybody who wants to get involved can contact Jenny Adams by e-mail at [email protected]. Students can also join the Facebook group, “UNCW Soles4Souls,” which will provide updates about upcoming events.

“We want to continue with the Soles4Souls program because it supports the ‘green’ movement and it’s an organization which gives both locally and worldwide,” said Adams. “Hopefully more students will be able to get involved.”