TOMS: Buy a Shoe, Give a Shoe

By Alicia Olivares —

I love my TOMS (olive green and glitter gold). You may have seen them on the feet of many Angelinos—and for good reason. They’re comfy, versatile and make an understated-cool fashion statement. But that’s not all. TOMS shoes change the lives of impoverished children all over the world.

When founder Blake Mycoskie took a trip to Argentina and saw the local children without shoes, an idea was born. Blake created TOMS Shoes, with the motto “One for One.” For every pair of TOMS you buy, the company donates a new pair of shoes to a child in need through the non-profit organization Giving Partners. The simple act of wearing shoes prevents disease, injury and infection. Unfortunately, there are many children all over the world who do not have the luxury of wearing shoes to protect their feet.

The good news is that as of 2010, TOMS has dropped 1 million shoes in South America, South Africa, the United States, Ethiopia, as well as Rwanda.  Blake also returned to Argentina and donated 10,000 pairs of shoes to the local children.

You can also contribute to the cause by buying a pair of TOMS—not only will you be walking around in comfort and style, but you will be helping out a child in need.

*Available in a variety of colors, prints and fabrics for him, her and kids. Purchase them online at Toms.com or at select stores such as Nordstrom’s and small boutiques throughout L.A.