Hogar de Niños Enmanuel is an orphanage in Honduras that is home to more than 80 children. They have an impressive leadership program where older kids lead large projects at the orphanage – from making and selling tortilla in the community, to helping arrange the logistics and giving of TOMS shoes to children at impoverished schools throughout the area.

While helping Hogar de Niños give shoes, TOMS VP of Creative, Felipe, was inspired by the passion, humility and joy that the staff and children at Hogar de Niños.

I kept forgetting that some of the volunteers who we were helping give TOMS shoes with were children from the orphanage. It was so amazing to see the trickle down effect at Hogar de Niños. These kids who are given TOMS are also turning around and helping other kids so selflessly.  The giving didn’t stop at one child, the same kids were reaching out to do good and help others.

 I was also struck that the giving of TOMS shoes went beyond just the physical shoe.  I hadn’t realized the emotional benefits giving a pair of new shoes brought to children…how it affected them in their emotional growth, how they felt valued and were emotionally lifted.  Teachers shared with me that they saw an improvement in schoolwork and the way students interacted with each other.  After a shoe distribution took place, teachers said they felt empowered and more positive about their role at the school.  I was humbled that this wasn’t just about giving shoes.  That the partnership between TOMS customers, TOMS and Giving Partners was having a much greater effect. 

I am thankful that together we’re supporting a movement toward kindness and empowering children and community members.

From our customers, to our staff, to the incredible organizations that give our shoes with love - we are grateful for the positive impact we have had together across the world.