We are beyond excited to be partnering with Miss Teen America 2011, Katarina Kneer! Katarina is an incredible young lady that has a passion to change the world and a drive to make it happen! As a part of her reign, Katarina has selected Soles4Souls as one of her official platforms, but that’s not all….. She has set a goal to collect or sponsor 1 MILLION pairs of shoes in 2011! And we think she can do it! Katarina has partnered with schools, police & fire departments all across the state New Jersey and is even going to be collecting shoes with the PGA Tour in August.  We had the opportunity to sit down with Katarina, and find out why she decided to work with Soles4Souls & what she has learned about collecting shoes so far.

Campaign: Miss Teen America 2011

Goal: As many shoes as possible,  hopefully 1 million!

Amount collected: 4,000

How did you first hear about Soles4Souls?

I was shopping for jeans at a local Mandee’s store, when I saw a cardboard box labeled “Clothes4Souls”. I took note that they were asking for jeans, so I felt guilty purchasing jeans for myself while I could be donating them to benefit so many others in need! From then on, I collected hundreds of jeans to donate. I then became aware of the partner organization “Soles4Souls”, and have made it my duty to collect as many shoes as I can!

You decided to make Soles4Souls a part of your platform as Miss Teen America. What made you decide to do that?

I believe this specific organization is truly so inspiring. The moment I saw pictures of all the thankful and smiling children receiving shoes in various countries, I knew I wanted to be responsible for one of those smiles.

What has been the best part of your shoe drive?

The amount of people who are willing to donate their shoes is honestly ASTOUNDING. It’s so rewarding to see how many charitable and good-hearted people there are out there. Also, visiting the main headquarters of Soles4Souls was an amazing time! I loved getting to see all of the wonderful people whom are involved in allowing this organization to flourish.

Any advice for others out there collecting shoes?

Make sure you go through your own shoe closet! I found SO many pairs of old shoes that I haven’t worn in years that someone else can now consider a treasured item.

How did you spread the word?

I’ve never realized how useful of a utility Facebook can be! I’ve posted multiple statuses and have made some support groups online to spread the word that any and all donations are welcome. Also, I plan to get my High School incorporated by promoting it within the various clubs I am involved with. I’m so excited to see how many shoes I can get my hands on!

If you’d like to join Katarina in helping provide 1 million kids with their first pair of shoes, CLICK HERE>

$5 provides 5 pairs of shoes!

Join the movement on Soles4Souls Facebook.

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