Style your sole, help another soul

Nov 4 2009 - 11:38pm | Brittany Bemis

Podoconiosis is a debilitating disease that swells the feet and legs, causing pain and making it almost impossible for its host to walk.

According to Causecast.org, “It is estimated that in Ethiopia alone, 11 million people are at risk for podoconiosis. It is caused by barefoot exposure to silica rich soil and makes its way into the lymphatic system.”

The prevention for the disease is simple: shoes. Bobcats for TOMS shoes is a new group on campus devoted to spreading the word about the brand. The difference between TOMS and most shoe brands is for every TOMS purchased, a corresponding pair will be donated to a child in need.

The “TOMcats” will be in Sewell Park at noon Sunday for a Style Your Sole party. Leigh Morgan, journalism junior, said her goal is to raise awareness of the problem.

“We have a 100 shoe goal this semester,” Morgan said. “We want to get as many people out as we can.”

Morgan said there will be bedazzlers, spin art paints, regular paint and other arts and crafts to design the shoes.

“It is basically a do-it-yourself, bring your own shoes (party),” Morgan said. “We’ve received donations from Mamacita’s and Los Cucos. Papa John’s is going to have a dollar per slice.”

Morgan said the group members hope to grow and  host fashion shows and movie nights.

Victoria David, social work senior, said she is passionate about TOMS and their mission.

“This is something we are trying to do annually,” David said. “We hope to exceed our goal. We hope everyone who comes buys a new pair of shoes for the event.”

Texas State students will receive a $5 discount when ordering shoes online by entering “CAMPUSTXSU.”

David said slack lines, volleyball and games will also be available.

“I know when people think of philanthropy they don’t think it is fun,” David said. “We are trying to show it is a really fun and great thing to do.”

David said when she received her first pair of TOMS shoes, the timing was impeccable.

“It was right around the Walk Without Shoes Day on campus,” David said. “I saw videos of these children unable to walk because of this horrible, horrible disease that could be cured by a pair of shoes.”

David said TOMS is reaching out to a group of people who are normally neglected.

“They are about $42 and up for a pair of shoes, which may seem like a lot, but think of it as $21 for your pair and $21 for a deserving child,” David said. “When you think about how much you spend on other things, $21 to shoe a child is such a little amount of money. I can’t say enough good things about it.”

TOMS shoes are sold locally at Calli’s Boutique.

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