One Day ...

Today was TOMS Shoes One Day Without Shoes Event.

Basically TOMS encourages everyone to take this one day and go without shoes. It promotes their cause as well as gives you a little insight into what it is like for children who spend most of their lives without a pair of shoes.


Last year I was in my first semester at Millersville when this event came around (I had participated before, but never here). I was too nervous/embarrassed/self conscious to participate. I had planned to do it, but when I got to campus I chickened out. This year I was determined to do it ... no matter what!

I was reminded last night that today was the day (good thing) so I planned it out. I had to go to work in the morning where I am absolutely required to wear shoes, but as soon as I stepped out of the doors, the shoes came off. It was FREEZING and rainy. It got better in the afternoon, but still ... so cold.

It truly made me think about how kids literally go their whole lives without shoes. When I was little, I'd run around barefoot all summer, but I always had shoes (more than enough, might I add) to put on when I had to go somewhere or whatever. These kids have NOTHING. It puts life into perspective a bit. We in America worry about the silliest little things, yet we have wealth beyond our knowledge. What would it be like to live in a garbage dump with all the filth and dangerous things and have no shoes for protection? That is a reality that many kids face each day.

I challenge you: take one day and just think about how lucky you are, and then think about what you can do to help. It may be as simple as going without shoes for a day to spread the news/raise awareness, or it could be something much bigger. Be assured, nothing is too small when it's purpose is to help those who need it most.