FirstEnergy employees have joined forces to support underprivileged children in northeast Ohio by donating shoes and raising funds for the Soles of Luv organization. Soles of Luv is a nonprofit organization that travels to schools in the greater Youngstown area, delivering free shoes and socks to students in need.
"Our generous employees collected money and shoes to help put sneakers on the feet of more than 50 deserving children," said Emily Miller, a FirstEnergy employee and member of the company’s Women in Leadership group, which organized the effort. "The FirstEnergy Foundation also matched employee donations, making our impact even greater."
Soles of Luv, founded in 2010 by Cathy Crawford, has made a significant difference in the lives of countless schoolchildren throughout the Mahoning Valley. The organization provides not only shoes and socks but also book bags and other essential items, restoring comfort and dignity to those in need.
Crawford expressed gratitude for the support from FirstEnergy, saying, "If you could see the smiles on the kids’ faces when they receive their new shoes and socks and other gifts, they know someone really cares about them, and we appreciate FirstEnergy’s generosity."
Soles of Luv relies on the support of generous donors and corporate sponsorships to continue its mission. Those interested in learning more about the organization and the schools it currently supports can visit their website at solesofluv.com.
This recent initiative by FirstEnergy employees to support Soles of Luv is just one example of their commitment to making a positive impact in the community. In fact, Soles of Luv was also among the 884 charitable organizations supported by FirstEnergy's 2024 United Way Employee Giving Campaign. During the campaign, FirstEnergy employees and the FirstEnergy Foundation collectively donated nearly $2 million to employee-selected nonprofit organizations and United Way agencies across the company's six-state service area.
By coming together and demonstrating their generosity, FirstEnergy employees have made a significant difference in the lives of underprivileged children in northeast Ohio. Their efforts with Soles of Luv and the United Way Employee Giving Campaign are a testament to their commitment to helping those in need.
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