South Walton saving Soles4Souls in Haiti

As many around the world rally and come to Haiti’s aid by sending money to help victims of the recent earthquake, one South Walton woman is helping in another way.

Keri Barnes is spearheading a shoe drive for victims, which will benefit the non-profit organization Soles4Souls.

“A lot of places are doing money drives, but a lot of young people who want to help don’t have money to give,” she said. “But people usually have shoes in their closets they don’t wear.”

During her 10-day drive, The 20-something Santa Rosa Beach resident is asking folks to drop off a new or gently-worn pair of shoes at Seagrove Coyote or Kindal’s Hair Studio at Gulf Place. The Coyote is located next door to La Botana.

“The national Soles4Souls drive is trying to get 250,000 pairs of shoes to send. I don’t know how many we could get, but I would like to get as many as we can,” she said. “After the earthquakes, Haiti will be littered with broken glass and metal. People walking barefoot there will get infections through cuts in their feet.”

Barnes has donated to Soles4Souls previously while working in the corporate world.

To sweeten the deal, Seagrove Coyote is offering a 15-percent discount on purchases with a donation of shoes. Barnes is the manager there.

Kindal’s is offering $5 off a bill with a donation.

The drive will be ongoing through Feb. 8.

“There are so many people in need and we have so much stuff we don’t really need,” said Barnes. “Ninety percent of Americans have shoes in their closets they don’t wear and could donate.”

Seagrove Coyote is open Thursday through Monday from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m.