Throughout the month of April, Dansko employees will join more than 100 shoe companies and 6,000 volunteers as part of Footwear Cares, a national community service campaign. The month-long initiative, led by the Two Ten Footwear Foundation, seeks to empower shoe companies to meaningfully invest in their local communities.

“At Dansko, our purpose runs even deeper than the products we offer. For nearly 25 years, we have been committed to serving our community, lending a helping hand wherever possible,” said Mandy Cabot, Dansko Co-Founder, President and CEO. “Through the products we design, and through our support and care for the community, we are sincerely committed to being a responsible neighbor, doing whatever we can to fulfill our company mission of improving the quality of people’s lives.”

Throughout April, the Dansko team will be involved in nine service projects, rolling up their sleeves to support local organizations and branches of national organizations. Their efforts represent a year-round commitment to serving the community, empowering Dansko employees to serve as responsible corporate citizens while supporting the company’s mission of creating a better tomorrow. In 2013, Dansko employees donated 1,100 hours of employee time throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania. Dansko then matched the equivalent of employee salaries with a charitable donation to the organizations.

While participating in the service projects, Dansko employees and Footwear Cares participants across the country will share images on Instagram and Facebook, using the official hashtag #FootwearCares.

Adopt-A-Highway
The Adopt-A-Highway program, which operates in 20 states nationwide, uses corporate sponsorships to facilitate roadway clean-ups. Dansko volunteers will visit a local stretch of highway to remove trash and debris.   

Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity ReStores sell gently used furniture, home accessories, building materials, and appliances for a fraction of retail price, using the proceeds to benefit the development and construction of homes in their communities. Dansko staff members will assist a local ReStore in Kennet Square, Pa. by organizing incoming donations.

Neighborhood Services Center
The Neighborhood Services Center in Oxford, Pa., serves as “the heart of the community.” The nonprofit organization seeks to provide health and social services for people in need, enabling visitors to achieve health, wholeness and stability. During an upcoming celebration and auction, Dansko employees will serve as bartenders and greeters.

Ronald McDonald House of Delaware
Ronald McDonald Houses are located across our nation. Their Wilmington, Delaware facility provides a “home away from home” for families of seriously ill or injured children. While receiving treatment from area hospitals, visitors find comfort in a supportive, nurturing environment. Dansko volunteers will be cooking up an array of delicious and nutritious meals for visiting children and their families.

Safe Harbor Shelter of Chester County
Safe Harbor, an emergency homeless shelter in West Chester, Pa., provides an uplifting environment for homeless men and women. The shelter strives to rebuild lives and self-esteem, helping visitors be independent and productive citizens. The Dansko team will prepare, pack and deliver lunches for Safe Harbor visitors.
 
Special Olympics
Special Olympics aquatics and swimming events, which take place in 220 worldwide locations, empower children and adults to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy. Dansko volunteers will visit the YMCA in Jennersville, Pa. for a local Special Olympics event, encouraging the swimmers while helping YMCA staff members organize the day of festivities.

Stroud Water Research Center
Located in Avondale, Pa., Stroud Water Research Center works to advance knowledge and stewardship of fresh water systems through global research, education and restoration. Dansko staff will work with the organization to initiate a large-scale tree plant in southeastern Pennsylvania, enabling scientists and educators to uncover valuable information about the health of local trees and their impact on clean water.

The Garage Community & Youth Center
With locations in West Grove and Kennett Square, Pa., The Garage Community & Youth Center serves as a gathering place for middle school and high school students. Each week, more than 400 teenagers pass through The Garage, seeking encouragement, support and the resources to reach their potential. The Dansko group will assist the West Grove location by preparing and organizing a garage sale fundraiser.

Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research
Researchers from the Tri-State Bird Rescue are dedicated to the rehabilitation of injured, orphaned and oiled native wild birds, with the goal of returning healthy birds to their natural environment. For four days in April, Dansko volunteers will support outreach efforts by stuffing, sealing and labeling envelopes.