Supporting Our Communities
At Charleston Shoe Company we believe in giving back to the communities who have supported us through the years. Although our focused approach is to support women in business and local animal shelters, when we see a need we will always do our best to give. Over the years we have partnered with a range of organizations both monetarily and through product gifts - from sourcing and donating work boots to those working to rebuild hurricane affected communities in partnership with Southeast Rescue and Relief, to Share Your Soles who distributes safe footwear to underserved countries around the world, to the National Odd Shoe Exchange who supports amputee veterans with single shoes. In addition to our product donations, we donate a percentage of sales from our trunk show program in support of hundred's of different organizations across the country (listings below).
These campaigns are our way of sending a deep felt thank you to you - the loyal, loving customers who we consider a part of the Charleston Shoe Family. We feel so very blessed to know that something as small as spreading a bit of shoe joy can go a long way and make a powerful impact.
Below you find highlights from a few of our top initiatives! We hope that you will continue to support us so that we can continue our local and national community outreach!
Healthcare Heroes
Founded on the belief that shoes can be both functional and fashionable, in early 2020 Charleston Shoe launched a line of professional shoes specifically designed for healthcare and hospitality workers. Knowing that comfort is the priority, we wanted to give these incredible women the opportunity to add a bit of flair to scrubs or a uniform, add a touch of their own personality and be ready to conquer whatever the shift brings. With these things in mind, we have crafted closed-toe, flexible and breathable, supportive, and of course, machine washable shoes, making them the perfect pair for women who are on their feet all day!
When March of 2020 came around, and COVID-19 hit the US hard, we knew that cancellations of the trade and trunk shows we would use to launch were imminent and that we would have to cut back on any marketing spend we had dedicated initially. Instead of seeing this as a hurdle, we decided to use this inventory to spread 'Shoe Joy' to the amazing women working on the front lines in hospitals.
In early April, we launched our Healthcare Heroes Campaign, where each shoe purchased on our website with the code BuyOneGiveOne went towards donating a pair of these ProLine shoes to healthcare workers. Our very first donation was to our hometown MUSC Hospital with 100+ shoes to be distributed to workers on the COVID floors. Since then, we have up-front donated over 2,100 pairs of shoes to 28 different hospitals in 10 different states (and counting). We have received such wonderful feedback from our hospital partners with one of our favorite quotes coming from our partner at MUSC:
"The nurse runners who’ve come to me for donation pick-ups have been wearing them and LOVE them! Your donation had an immediate positive effect on our care team members, and we seriously so grateful for you.” - Jen Simon, Lead for MUSC Health System Donations
We plan to continue these efforts for the foreseeable future with new hospitals being added to our distribution list daily. If you would like more information on how to donate, visit our Healthcare Heroes information page or simply use the code BuyOneGiveOne at checkout for your next purchase.
Additional Community Sponsorship
Cultural Center of Ponte Vedre
Garden Club of America
Martha Jefferson Hospital Foundation
Augusta Garden Club
Wayside House
Ocean Reef Medical Center
St John’s Episcopal Church
Boys and Girls Club of Delray Beach
Royal Poinciana Chapel
Boca Grande Community Center
St. Edward’s School
St. Agnes Academy
Carmel-By-The-Sea Garden Club
South County Hospital
Immanuel Lutheran School
Telfair Museum
American Cancer Society
Race for Kids
Charles Webb Center
Memphis Heritage
Artsmemphis
Lowcountry AIDS Services
Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic
Center for Women
Acorn School
St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital
Watch Hill Memorial Library and Improvement Society
The Preservation Society of Newport County
St. Catherine’s School
Washington National Cathedral
Vocational Guidance Services
University School of Milwaukee
Planned Parenthood Mid and South Michigan
Athens Regional Foundation