Topeka resident, Jerry Hudgins, discovered a passion he could really put his heart and “sole” into.  After learning that a high percentage of local children, living below poverty level, lacked decent footwear, he looked for a way to fill a need.  That’s when Sole Reason, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing area grade school children with new or gently used shoes, was born.

Hudgins operates the charity with the help of his three children.  Since January, they have collected nearly 5,000 pairs of shoes with their eye set on a goal of at least 6,000 pairs by the end of the month.  Most of those donations have resulted from shoe drives at local churches.

Hudgins is no stranger to helping others.  Twice a week he volunteers his time at Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas.  This, he says, is where he first saw the need.  Since then, he knew he wanted to do his part in helping the kids.

“Our motto is, ‘Putting shoes on their feet and smiles on their faces,” Hudgins said.

For more information about Sole Reason or ways you can help, visit them at solereason.net