Soles For Christ Shoe Program

06/02/2026

WE NEED SHOES!! A new pair of shoes may seem small, but to a child heading back to school, it can mean confidence, comfort, and a fresh start.

Our inventory is running low, and we urgently need donations of NEW tennis shoes for students of all ages (men's sizes are especially needed).

Please do not shop for women's size 6 shoes at this time, as we have an abundance of that size already.

Your generosity can help a student walk into the new school year feeling prepared and proud.

Drop off donations at 1203 N 6th Street in St. Joseph, Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm.

Does your organization/group want to help collect shoes for Soles for Christ? Contact [email protected].

Thank you for helping us put shoes on young feet and hope in young hearts!

05/26/2026

Every child deserves to start school on the right foot! The 2026 Soles for Christ free shoe giveaway will be on August 10-11 for students in the St. Joseph area. See flyer for details!

05/15/2026

Signups are OPEN for Soles for Christ volunteering! Scan the QR code below or visit https://afl-ciocommunityservices.ivolunteer.com/solesforchrist_2026 to register.

05/07/2026

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The Soles for Christ program, sponsored by the AFL-CIO Community Services, is asking for donations for new shoes for children ahead of the next school year.

05/07/2026

We are now accepting NEW shoes for Soles for Christ!

For more than 20 years, the Soles for Christ Shoe Program has helped local children start the school year with confidence and comfort.

What began in 2003 as an outreach project through Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church has grown into a beloved community program. Since the very first giveaway, nearly 20,000 pairs of shoes have been distributed to children in need throughout our area.

For many families, these are the only new shoes their children will receive all school year, and with your help, we can continue making sure every child has a fresh start for school.

This year's distribution will be held on August 10-11 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Scottish Rite, 515 N 6th St.

We are currently accepting NEW shoes for school-age children PreK through 12th grade, including toddler, youth, and adult sizes. Donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If you are interested in volunteering for the program, you can register online at afl-ciocommunityservices.ivolunteer.com/solesforchrist_2026

Together, we can make a difference one pair of shoes at a time.

Questions? Contact [email protected]

05/04/2026

We are collecting new tennis shoes for Soles for Christ!

Through our Soles for Christ program, local students receive new tennis shoes to kick off the school year with confidence and excitement. You can help make that happen!

New tennis shoes can be dropped off at our agency at 1203 N 6th Street.

If you have any questions about donating, please contact [email protected]

04/24/2026

Are you ready to make a difference in the St. Joseph community? Volunteer with us at AFL-CIO Community Services!

Scan the QR code below or visit afl-ciocommunityservices.ivolunteer.com to register for upcoming volunteer opportunities.

For any questions about volunteering, please contact [email protected] or call 816.364.1131.

04/15/2026

03/02/2026

Thank you to Persisterhood of Saint Joseph, Missouri for choosing to help our organization with a drive-thru donation event for diapers and infant hygiene products!

We are in need of diapers (especially larger sizes), as well as wipes, powder, and diaper-rash ointment.

Learn more below about the donation event!

~~~

Persisterhood of Saint Joseph, Missouri volunteers will be collecting women's menstrual items as well as and diapers and infant hygiene products in a donation drive-thru on Saturday, March 7 from 11 am to 1 pm. The event will occur in the parking lot on 10th Street adjacent to First Christian Church, located at the corner of 10th and Faraon in St. Joseph. Volunteers will also be on hand to explain and collect signatures for the "Respect MOVoters" petition drive.

Diaper and infant hygiene products donated at the drive will all go to the Diaper Depot at AFL-CIO's Community Services. “The birth of a child should be celebrated, not overshadowed by financial hardship. Yet for many vulnerable families, the cost of diapers creates ongoing stress. Diaper Depot helps alleviate that burden by providing free diapers and hygiene items to those who need them most. By hosting a diaper drive, partners like Persisterhood make this possible by ensuring that families can experience the early years of a child’s life with dignity, stability, and hope,” said Nichi Seckinger, Community Services Director.

The donated women's hygiene products will go to Sparkle Peach, Inc.--whose founder, Ann Irvin, will be helping at the drive-thru. Irvin created "Sparkle Peach, Inc" in St. Joseph in 2019 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Together with volunteers, professional nurses, and counselors, she provides women’s menstrual hygiene products to those who need them, and helps to educate girls about menstrual hygiene, infection prevention, available products and related health questions.

02/24/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AHNyKUbsb/

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Over $15,000 worth of toys were donated to the AFL-CIO Community Services center in St. Joseph.