What do you do with your childrens old shoes?

[Furball]

I've had a bit of a clear out and found homes or know of where to take clothes, toys etc. DS is only 19 months and already has grown out of 3 pairs of shoes and is still now only a 5 1/2. Is there anyone that knows of a needy home for such small shoes. I know that most people have their kiddies feet measured and properly fitted - but there must be somewhere/one who could do with them. Any ideas?

The local equivalent of Oxfam here collects shoes as well as clothes. There's also a pregnancy advice centre near us that keeps a stock of babyclothes (including shoes) for needy single mums. Could you try the charity shops near you?

Also your local Women's Aid refuge may appreciate them; do those clothing banks take shoes?

Hi, Furball, there are actual shoe banks at some recycling centres - our Sainsburys has one - also they are outside some local shops (waist-high wire baskets with plastic bags inside and a lid).

I think they are "refurbished" and sent to Africa or somewhere (but don't quote me!).

Agree with JanH. Kept DS's first pair of shoes but have put subsequent ones in the shoe bin at my local Asda. He's obviously got little feet though, because like your DS he has outgrown 3 pairs and is a 5 1/2 but is 2 yo.

Dd came home from school today with a letter asking for donations of outgrown black school shoes. Apparently the government in Zambia have decided that they are a compulsory requirement for children to attend school- not many have any shoes, let alnone school ones. Our school is collecting them, will find out details if anyone else wants to organise something locally.

Pingu2 - that sounds an excellent idea, would be very interested in passing this on to our school - I hate throwing anything away and I try and give everything I have bought for the kids a new home - difficult with shoes though.

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