1 Million Pairs Donated
Volunteer-Run Changing Footprints Marks 20 Years of Providing Shoes and Dignity
In a world where consumerism often overshadows compassion, Changing Footprints quietly continues its mission of putting shoes on the feet of those in need — one pair at a time. Now in its 20th year, the entirely volunteer-run nonprofit has distributed nearly 1 million pairs of shoes to people locally and globally — all without a single paid staff member.
The founders established the organization based on a simple but powerful belief: Volunteers wanted to make a tangible difference, not just write checks. That grassroots ethos still drives Changing Footprints today, with operations across five Indiana communities — North Indianapolis, South Indianapolis, Avon, Greenfield, Fort Wayne and Rushville — each structured to respond to their unique local needs.
“We’ve always believed in building a nonprofit that serves volunteers as much as it serves recipients,” said North Indy coordinator Bob Broughton. “Some people love collecting shoes from our 40-plus drop-off sites, others prefer sorting, and some contribute behind the scenes with inventory or logistics. It’s about offering people the chance to contribute in their own way.”
Currently, the North Indy chapter is operating out of a temporary location while searching for a more permanent home. Ideally, they’re hoping for at least 2,000 to 3,000 square feet of ground-floor space with direct exterior access — critical for loading the thousands of shoes they process each month. Broughton has issued a public call for leads on free or low-cost space, particularly in the northern suburbs.
Despite this transitional moment, the mission hasn’t slowed. Changing Footprints collaborates with more than 100 nonprofits in Indianapolis, including Dress for Success, Wheeler Mission and Purposeful Design. These partnerships help provide shoes to individuals facing homelessness, job loss or reentry from incarceration. Instead of duplicating services, the nonprofit focuses on supplying footwear, allowing partner agencies to concentrate on their own missions — such as housing, job placement or recovery.
A standout feature of the North Indy location is its innovative “shoe rack” program. The program currently operates in 19 schools and nonprofits, providing on-site access to approximately 100 pairs of quality tennis shoes, restocking every month. This embedded approach allows caseworkers and educators to quickly meet a need without redirecting attention or resources.
Changing Footprints also maintains a strong environmental commitment. Shoes that don’t meet donation standards are recycled through an arrangement with a shoe manufacturer and transformed into playground material. The eco-forward initiative keeps thousands of unusable shoes out of landfills each year.
Although the group has not formally celebrated its 20th anniversary, plans are underway for a milestone event in December 2026, when the organization expects to surpass the 1 million–pair mark. Until then, it’s business as usual — serving quietly, consistently and with purpose.
“Honestly, we’re not great at celebrating ourselves,” Broughton said. “We’re too busy doing the work. But when that millionth pair goes out the door, we’ll take a moment.”
At Changing Footprints, every pair of donated shoes tells a story of need, dignity and community — and proves just how far a group of dedicated volunteers can go when working together.
For more information, visit changingfootprints.org.
