Get Ready for Soles of Joy 2027
Planning is already underway for our 2027 collection drive. You can support local students in three ways:
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Sponsor: Partner as a corporate sponsor to fund bulk shoe purchases.
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Host: Set up a collection box at your business or office.
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Donate: Bring new, unwrapped children’s shoes to an upcoming Key City Rotary meeting.
Why? Every Child Deserves to Start the School Year Confident
Too many students in Frederick County start the school year without a reliable pair of new shoes. Falling behind on basic necessities creates immediate obstacles before a child ever enters the classroom.
Back-to-school expenses create heavy demands on household budgets. When families must choose between basic household expenses and school supplies, proper footwear often falls out of reach.
Key City Rotary is proud to carry on the tradition started by local author and speaker Julie Gaver under the name “Soles of Love.” During the 2026 campaign, community members, local businesses, and Rotary members came together to collect over 2,200 pairs of brand-new shoes. Every pair went directly to local children ahead of the first day of school.
Who We Serve and Our Local Partners
Soles of Joy serves youth and students across Frederick County. Key City Rotary works alongside trusted community partners and local service organizations, including:
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Butterfly Ridge Elementary School
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SHIP of Frederick County
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Blessings in a Backpack
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Mission of Mercy
A new pair of shoes gives a student a sense of pride and belonging. Ensuring our young people have basic support builds a stronger, more resilient Frederick County.
