History
For nearly 50 years, the Terre Haute Women's Club has been spreading love, one pair of shoes at a time. Our roots trace back to 1971, when a small group of devoted women first came together in a founding member's garage to discuss how they could support disadvantaged students in our community. Though they started out small, their hearts were overflowing with compassion. From those humble beginnings blossomed an organization built on selfless volunteerism and unwavering commitment to Vigo County's youth.
Our members hail from diverse backgrounds but share an unshakable passion for uplifting local children in need. We call Sarah Scott Middle School our home base, thanks to a treasured partnership with the Vigo County School Corporation. Within these walls, the laughter, hope and promise of young students fill our hearts. Their beautiful smiles as they try on their new shoes are all the reward we'll ever need.
The Terre Haute Women's Club remains committed not only to providing shoes, but also instilling in each child a sense of dignity, confidence and belonging.
Our members hail from diverse backgrounds but share an unshakable passion for uplifting local children in need. We call Sarah Scott Middle School our home base, thanks to a treasured partnership with the Vigo County School Corporation. Within these walls, the laughter, hope and promise of young students fill our hearts. Their beautiful smiles as they try on their new shoes are all the reward we'll ever need.
The Terre Haute Women's Club remains committed not only to providing shoes, but also instilling in each child a sense of dignity, confidence and belonging.
What We Do
Our duties are as follows:
- Each schools’ health assistant selects students in grades K-12 as recommended by the child’s own teachers, coaches, or school staff.
- The health assistant emails the THWC with the names and grade of the children they’ve advocated. These students represent the neediest and most deserving youngsters and adolescents in Vigo County schools.
- Once a week throughout the school year and even when called upon in an emergency, two of our club members drive the unmarked “Shoe Bus” to any number of 27 Vigo County schools, parking discretely out of view to avoid wandering eyes and burdening each child the stigma or guilt of receiving this gift.
- Students step onto the bus and are fitted for a brand-new pair of athletic shoes and two pair of socks.
Why We Do It
Behind every pair of shoes, there is a child longing to feel seen, valued, and dignified. In Vigo County, over a quarter of our students live in poverty, making new shoes an unaffordable luxury for many families. We see young children arrive at school with tattered sneakers held together by duct tape, forced to share shoes with siblings just to attend class. Their unwashed feet and soiled socks reveal the harsh realities of their daily struggle.
As mothers, as women, as human beings - our hearts ache imagining the shame and social isolation these children endure. We remember all too well how fragile self-esteem is in youth, and how something as simple as a new pair of shoes bolsters confidence. By providing quality athletic shoes and clean socks, we hope to lift these students up, easing one of the many burdens poverty has placed on their tender shoulders.
We believe every child deserves to feel comfortable, included and ready to learn without stigma or judgment. Though we cannot erase the challenges of poverty, we can spread a little joy and lighten the load - one pair of shoes at a time.
As mothers, as women, as human beings - our hearts ache imagining the shame and social isolation these children endure. We remember all too well how fragile self-esteem is in youth, and how something as simple as a new pair of shoes bolsters confidence. By providing quality athletic shoes and clean socks, we hope to lift these students up, easing one of the many burdens poverty has placed on their tender shoulders.
We believe every child deserves to feel comfortable, included and ready to learn without stigma or judgment. Though we cannot erase the challenges of poverty, we can spread a little joy and lighten the load - one pair of shoes at a time.
