One of the joys of being a gardener is bearing witness to new miracles every day. For seed to reveal blossom and blossom to bear fruit is perhaps one of Nature’s most wondrous gifts.
For the past 14 years, women in the surrounding area have gathered in the garden to celebrate the esprit de corps that continues to grow since I first planted the seed.
Soles of Love provides new shoes and winter boots for children living in Frederick and Washington Counties. Each year prior to the beginning of school our signature event and community-wide shoe drive fills the hearts and “soles” of children who understand the reality of unmet needs.
Our mission of providing children with these shoes with an accompanying affirmation card is our way of allowing each child to feel seen, to understand the feeling of fitting in, in hopes that they experience a greater sense of pride and belonging.
Although shoes are distributed through ten local nonprofit agencies offering a wide variety of other child and family services, our efforts bear fruit in so many ways. The many levels of involvement demonstrate the miracles that bloom when we are in community with one another.
Individuals and companies sponsor collection drives that contribute thousands of shoes. Guests of the signature event garden party attend laden with robust bags of donations accompanied by stories of the “sale that was too good to pass up.’ Volunteers, vendors and sponsors who love the cause come forward ready to give.
As gardeners of the soul and spirit, we also understand the importance of raising the next generation of philanthropists. Our young people learn the importance of giving back through their own signature event called “First Bloom.” Our youth leadership team is already hard at work planning an event that will produce exemplary results.
As the founder of Soles of Love, I am humbled and inspired by the love demonstrated on so many levels. Every year once our gathering is in full swing, I allow myself a moment of reflection when I step back and simply witness the magic around me. The beauty of a garden intertwines with the heart and soul of a community that answered the call….. for seed to become blossom and for blossom to bear fruit.
And I am grateful.
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This year’s event will be held at Surreybrooke Gardens on Friday, July 26th from 7-9 pm. The First Bloom companion event will be held Sunday, July 28th at Meadow Branch Farm from 6-8 pm. Call for Sponsors begins in May 2024.
SolesOfLove.org
