April 5, 2011 was the 4th annual “One Day Without Shoes” event sponsored by Tom’s Shoes. Tom’s Shoes is a company that promotes a “one for one” promise; for every pair of Tom’s shoes purchased, the company will donate a pair to a child in a Third World country.

This event was created to raise awareness that most children in developing countries are growing up barefoot. Being barefoot is not only dangerous to their health, but it also keeps many of them out of school because shoes are often a part of the mandatory dress code. Juniata students comment on their one day without shoes:

Alex Dintruff ’13, Lake Bluff Ill.:
I participated in One Day Without Shows because it is a fun, unconventional way to raise awareness about an issue that doesn’t get a lot of attention. It was a hindrance having to carry around a pair of sandals in my backpack in order to get lunch, but it was a small price to pay

Alexis Powell ’14, Crofton Md.:
I only participated for an hour.

Emily Rowley ’13, Vandergrift Pa.:
I participated in One Day Without Shoes because I think that it’s important to be actively aware of and involved in the problems that surround us, whether they are domestic or international. I hope that One Day Without Shoes lasts forever, or runs out of need for enactment.
My main challenge was walking in the rain and snow around all of Huntingdon with bare feet. I also was “scolded by Sodexo” during lunch at Baker for my lack of footwear. They weren’t too happy when I explained it was for kids who don’t have shoes.

Ariel Lawver ’13, Baltimore Md.:
I decided to participate in One Day without Shoes because I think that the only way to reach a goal is to truly understand what you’re working towards. Tom’s is working towards persuading people to give shoes to those who go without them. Today, when I walked without shoes I was able to truly understand why this is an important goal to reach. It may have been freezing and wet and I might have gotten weird looks, but it was worth it.

Bridget Hughes ’11, Troy Pa.:
I did One Day Without Shoes because I have a great deal of respect and admiration for the kind of business Tom’s is and strives to be. My biggest challenge was that I was sick. I spent most of the day without shoes, but I didn’t really suffer for it.

~Erin Kreischer ’13, Juniata Online Journalist