Sound Foot Care Center of CT
148 East Ave, Suite 2G
Norwalk, CT 06851
Ph. 203.866.7686
Fax. 203.866.7685

Podiatrist Collects Shoes for Haiti
Partners with Soles4Souls to help ravaged nation

By Tom Evans, Hour Staff Writer

NORWALK - The earthquake that devastated Haiti on Jan. 12 has created needs for virtually everything to help the survivors.

Norwalk podiatrist Dr. Harris Greenberger and his Sound Foot Care Center practice at 148 East Ave. is helping those desperate souls with some new soles.

Greenberger is partnering with Nashville-based Soles4Souls to collect new and gently worn shoes in what the Tennessee non-profit organization has dubbed "Project Haiti."

The goal for Soles4Souls and Greenberger is to donate at least 1 million pairs of shoes to the areas of the island nation most affected by the 7.0-magnitude earthquake.

"I've known about this organization, and I always had in my mind to do something philanthropic," Greenberger said. "That's my nature, and I've been involved in other philanthropic efforts. When the earthquake happened, I was horrified by the catastrophe, and I quickly wished I could do something to help."

The magnitude of the loss of life in the quake has to be put in perspective, and Greenberger put it succinctly.

"The initial death tolls were more than the population of Norwalk, and that hits home," he said. "I wished I could help medically but I couldn't, so I donated money. The I found out Soles4Souls was doing 'Project Haiti' to collect shoes until they had a million pairs." The connection between a foot doctor and collecting shoes seemed like a natural one, and the podiatrist agreed.

"I see a lot of feet and shoes every day, and this was a way of giving back in a meaningful way," Greenberger said. "Folks in Haiti need everything, including food, medical care, clothes -- and shoes. It's a good fit for me professionally. I like to keep doing this because of the outpouring of donations from the community."

In less than a month, Greenberger has collected nearly 100 pairs of shoes, sandals and sneakers, and he said the response continues. Shoes can be dropped off at Suite 2G in the medical building set back from East Avenue, overlooking the Norwalk River, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

"We put out a press release a month ago, and in less than a month the response from patients, and even non-patients, has been tremendous," Greenberger said. "People are looking to do something like this, and this is easy to do to make a difference. As busy as we are, people are more than willing to do something, and we have to make this a priority."

The father of twin 8-year-olds, Levi and Raya, and 1-year-old Jagger, wants to use this endeavor as a teaching tool. The family, including wife and mother Gayle, live in Weston.

"I also see this (collection effort) as an opportunity to teach my children," Greenberger said. "I want my children to donate shoes they don't wear any more so they feel like part of the community, and not just the Fairfield County community. It's a value set that I have. I'm a physician, and I chose this profession because I like helping people. I want my children to know it's important to give to, and help, others. Gayle agrees that this is a great idea, and worthwhile."

While Greenberger is certain most everyone has a few pairs of out-of-style shoes stuck in the back of a closet, and maybe some outgrown kids' shoes stored in a box, he wants to expand the scope of donations.

Greenberger was quick to point out that the Haiti recovery effort will take months and even years.

"I want to call upon shoe stores in the area to donate," he said. "I'm sure they have inventory that they can't or won't sell, and I would love for (those stores) to donate to this cause. I'd also love to sponsor a (charity) walk or run to help all these (relief) organizations. I'm always looking for partnerships."

Since 2005, Soles4Souls has given away more than 5.5 million pairs of new and gently used footwear, distributing them to people in need regardless of race, religion, class or any other criteria, according to an organizational press release.

The shoes have been given out in more than 125 countries, including Kenya, Thailand, Nepal and the United States. Visit www.giveshoes.org for more information on Soles4Souls. Greenberger opened his practice in Norwalk in 2006.

According to its Web site, www.soundfootcare.com, the office provides "cutting-edge aesthetic and surgical podiatric care in a relaxed, spa-like atmosphere" and is the first podiatric center in the state to offer "PinPointe Foot Laser" treatments.

The office phone number is (203) 866-7686.

"It's cool when people drop by with shoes to donate, but this (effort) is not just about shoes," Greenberger said. "It's what we're doing for humanity. Soles4Souls is one way to help, but it doesn't matter what people are doing to help, as long as they do something. That's the message."