Soles for Souls
Letter from the Founder
One of John's previous Majors, Major Jose Ocasio, noticed the children in Afghanistan running around without shoes! Basic survival necessities are non-existent for these children. He, Major Ocasio, emailed friends and family to send shoes, and the venture took off. As people responded, thrilled to be helping our soldiers and the communities in Afghanistan, an idea began to form to take this mission on a larger scale and to honor my husband, John. John's commitment was to help the communities of Afghanistan. Before John deployed, he was fully immersed in learning the Afghani culture, people, and way of life. John went to help, not to hurt. Starting this charity is a natural fit in it continues John's mission... to help rebuild the broken communities in our world. I am grateful that Major Ocasio and his amazing wife Kym invited me to join them on this mission. In my very broken world, I have a way to honor John. People grieve different ways, some are intuitive and some grieve by doing. We can be bitter or we can be better. John's loss is devastating and I will always have a huge hole in my heart, in my life. But, by doing this, by helping the people from the soil on which John was killed, I strive to be better and not bitter, to continue John's mission, and to live a life which would make him proud.
-Lisa Hallett
-Lisa Hallett
Donating Shoes
Currently we are only requesting children's shoes. The Afgahni children prefer black dress shoes, instead of tennis shoes, so they can emulate the elders. (No green shoes please)
Drop-off boxes will be located at the following places:
Drop-off boxes will be located at the following places:
St Agnes School
3966 Chestnut St Concord, CA 94519 Mon - Fri: 9 am to 2 pm Google Maps RAW Center for Strength 1543 Palos Verdes Mall Walnut Creek, CA 94597 Mon - Fri: 11 am to 8 pm Sat - Sun: Noon to 6 pm Google Maps |
Please mail all shoes to the either of the following addresses:
The John Hallett Memorial Charity
Soles for Souls PO Box 565 DuPont, WA 98327 |
MAJ Jose H. Ocasio-Santiago
HHC, 4-23 IN FOB Price, Helmand Province APO AE 09372 (this is directly to the troops) |
Donating Money
One of our big needs for successful shoe distrobution is postage costs. If someone would like to make a donation, they can mail to the aforementioned address: PO BOX 565, DuPont, WA 98327. Donations will also be accepted at St Agnes Church (address listed above).
All donations are tax deductible under the Charitable Trust: Capt. John L. Hallett III Charitable Foundation.
All donations are tax deductible under the Charitable Trust: Capt. John L. Hallett III Charitable Foundation.
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Getting Involved
Want to get involved? Feel free to contact us