What if a quiet walk around a neighborhood could help solve one of the world’s biggest poverty issues?

According to a news release from Soles4Souls, the international shoe charity, the group has put together the first ever walk to help alleviate the deficiency of appropriate footwear around the world. The charity’s One Walk is connecting thousands of individuals around the country on one day this spring.

On May 14 2011, individuals across the country can walk, run, or crawl for those in need. Participants can walk solo or form a team. Event organizers say 100 percent of net revenue from the One Walk registration fee will be used for helping give shoes to some of the more than 300 million children and untold adults in the US and around the world who lack footwear.

“The One Walk is an opportunity for individuals to join a national one day initiative to make a change,” said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls, speaking in a news release.

He added, “Individuals can feel the importance of the need by putting footsteps to their support. Join us on May 14th and let your steps change a life.”

How does it work?

Individuals decide where and for how long they walk. Participants can invite friends and start a team, get co-workers together or just hit the road on their own.

Why are shoes important?

Soles4Souls said in the news release, “Footwear is the first step to helping people in impoverished areas live healthy, productive lives. Footwear can help eliminate the spreading of diseases through the foot, as well as help children get an education-since many schools have footwear requirements to attend.”

About Soles4Souls and Clothes4Souls

Soles4Souls collects, recycles and reuses shoes from warehouses of footwear companies and closets from individuals.

The group distributes usable shoes to people in need around the world. Soles4Souls said since 2005 the group has given away over 13 million pairs of new and gently worn shoes (currently distributing one pair every seven seconds). The shoes have been distributed in 125 countries, including Haiti, Kenya, Nepal and the United States.

Clothes4Souls, a new division of Soles4Souls, provides hope for hurting people through the gift of new clothing from manufacturers, designers, and retailers. Those who give (rather than destroy) unused inventory are assured their donations are distributed to people around the world living in desperate need.