Shoe4Africa has a unique program for collecting gently used running shoes for its missions of empowerment through sports and education, creating unique health initiatives and promoting AIDS awareness in Africa.

The nonprofit volunteer organization was founded in 1995 by Toby Tanser, a top Icelandic runner, who currently lives in New York city.  Actor Anthony Edwards (Doctor on television show ER), best friend of Toby Tanser, is Chairman of the organization. Many African running stars have teamed with Shoes4Africa to reach communities with running programs and HIV/AIDS initiatives.

Individuals can ship their donated used shoes directly to Shoe4Africa’s Kenya office. Donated shoes should have at least 100 miles worth of wear left in them. Running shirts, new socks, and running shorts are also welcome.

Shoe4Africa also creates sporting events and training programs in Africa, and offers HIV testing and information to all who attend races and games in Africa.

Supporters and sponsors of Shoes4Africa include Cameron Diaz, Natalie Portman, Kim Alexis, Diane Dixon, Cristiano Ronaldo and runners Lornah Kiplagat, Steve Cram, Martin Lel, Moses Kiptanui, Rose Tata, Greta Waitz, Mike Boit and many more.

After a recent New York City Marathon, 10,000 shoes were donated to Shoes4Africa by the runners and other supporters.

The largest project of Shoe4Africa is the building of a $15-million children’s hospital in Kenya.

Another project, the Kibera Project, works to deliver shoes to the people of the Kibera slum in Nairobi, Kenya. It is estimated that over 1.2 million people live in the slum.

Details on how to package the used shoes, prepare customs label for the post office, and ship the shoes can be found on their website.

Also information on donating to their shipping costs, or the children’s hospital program, participating in shoe drives, and other program details can be found on their website.