The site Soles4Souls takes donated used shoes and provides them to families and individuals around the world. At this point, they have already donated 26 million pairs of shoes over their 10-year history. They even take half pairs, in hopes that they will match them up one day in the future.
This charitable organization helps to provide shoes (and clothing) during global disasters. Mainly formed after the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Soles4Souls looks to help the immediate needs of people in disaster zones. Surprisingly, they are also taking excess shoes and clothing and working to help micro-enterprises. These businesses receive a steady supply of high-quality/low cost product, and help to bring people and their families out of poverty.
So if you’re doing some fall cleanouts, look to donate to Soles4Souls. While their main drop-off locations are a bit further away from Boston, you can ship 5 pairs (or more) to their distribution centers. They will also provide a tax receipt for charitable donations.