Key City Rotary Continues Beloved Shoe Drive with “Soles of Joy” Event

Every Child Deserves to Start School with New Shoes

 

July 3, 2025: Key City Rotary Club is proud to launch its first “Soles of Joy” shoe drive, building on the incredible legacy of Soles of Love, a well-loved community tradition started in 2010 by local philanthropist and club member Julie Gaver.

From its humble beginnings in her backyard, Gaver’s annual event grew into a regional movement. Since 2010, more than 31,000 pairs of new shoes have been collected to support children in Frederick county and surrounding areas. This year, Key City Rotary officially takes the baton, hosting a new version of the event while honoring its roots.

“What began as a small act of kindness quickly grew beyond anything I imagined,” said Gaver. “I’m thrilled to see this tradition live on through a service organization so deeply rooted in the Frederick community.”

Renamed Soles of Joy: The Shoe Must Go On!, new shoes are collected for students ages 5-17. Shoes are distributed with the help of area nonprofits, including Girls on the Run, SHIP, Boys & Girls Club of Frederick County, COIP, and the Frederick Housing Authority.

The drive culminates in a public celebration on Friday, August 8, from 6–9 p.m. at The Arc of Frederick County (Market Street), the club’s regular meeting home. The evening will feature cocktails, live music, light fare, and heartfelt community connection. 

“This is a celebration of what happens when a community shows up for its kids,” said Dani Gurrie, host of “Good Morning, Frederick” and the event’s chairperson for Key City Rotary. “We’ve set an ambitious goal of collecting 5,000 pairs of shoes to put on hundreds of growing feet. I can’t wait to see it happen!”

Tickets to the event are $80, with proceeds helping the club purchase even more new shoes and winter boots for local children served by area nonprofits and schools.

“We’re honored to carry forward Julie’s remarkable work,” said Pat Hanberry, the 2025-6 president of Key City Rotary. “Shoes may seem simple, but they represent confidence, belonging, and care – values we’re proud to champion.”

Donation & Event Details

  • Event Date: Friday, August 8, 2025
  • Time: 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
  • Location: The Arc of Frederick County, 555 S. Market Street, Frederick, MD
  • Tickets: $80 (includes cocktails, light fare, music)


PURCHASE TICKETS/ DONATE

Shoe Drive Dates: Now through August 8, 2025, collect and donate new shoes for children (all sizes, K–12).

Shoe Drop-Off Locations: 

    • Middletown Valley Bank (sponsor site) – all locations
    • The Family Heritage Trust Company (sponsor site) – 30 W Patrick Street, Frederick
    • The Home of Everything Frederick – 401 N Market Street, Frederick. Wed-Sun 11am-4pm
    • Orioles Nest #331 – 1037A W Patrick Street, Frederick
    • Village Crossing – Worman’s Mill
    • Julie Gaver – 11626 Wolfsville Myersville. Donation box will be on the side porch
    • Ken’s Automotive and Transmissions – 371 W Patrick Street, Frederick
    • The Arc on Market. If you are attending the event, bring them with you. You may also drop them off at the Arc between noon and 2pm only on 8/8.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

In-Kind Sponsors

 

Purchase Tickets / Donate