A local charity is ensuring teenage girls fashionably complete their prom outfits in style with a shoe drive at Round 2 Cafe on April 9. The sixth annual “Soul to Sole Shoe Drive Brunch” will collect donations of new and tidy dress shoes for teens in need so they can enjoy their once in a lifetime coming-of-age fiesta. Often times dresses are donated but not enough shoes even though footwear matters somewhat more, said the organizer of the drive.
“I’m a firm believer that shoes make the outfit — you can wear a garbage bag but it wouldn’t matter as long as your shoes are on point,” said Chanel Adams, shoe drive organizer. “People will notice shoes your before a garbage bag, and something like prom — you just have to have perfect shoes to go with the perfect dress.”
The drive aims to encourage locals to give away their unneeded and unwanted gently worn shoes to those in need, and they do not have to any name brand, said Adams. The only requirement is that the shoes are neat, in good shape, and can be worn for a prom.
“It does not have to be designer, we’re just asking for a shoes that you have in the closet that is formal-like,” she said. “It’s the little bit that helps and if you want to buy a new pair to donate that’s great also.”
It is also not just for girls, prom shoe donations are sought for their male counterparts too.
“It’s a big deal and it’s not just a special day for the girls — the guys too like to dress up,” said Adams.
Acceptable shoes can be high-heels, pumps, stilettos, flats, open-toes, and any special occasion footwear, said Adams.
For Adams, organizing the charitable event is a way to provide a generous opportunity to teens who may not get to experience it otherwise, and the community should help them enjoy a one-time prom .
“I think people should come to the event not only for a great cause but also because I know tons of people that have at least one pair of shoes they don’t want,” said Adams. “In reality, they’re never going to wear it so why not give it to a child in need for prom.”
But a satisfying end of the drive are seeing the happy teens, said Adams.
“The look on the kids faces when you go to these prom drives is priceless,” she said. “I think every teen should experience this and any financial situation shouldn’t prevent that.”
“Soul to Sole Shoe Drive Brunch” at Round 2 Cafe [1165 Utica Ave. between Clarendon Road and Avenue D in East Flatbush, (347) 680-4582]. April 9, noon–5 pm. Free with shoes to donate. For more information on donating shoes or dresses to the drive, contact Adams at thesl
