How We Got Started

The inspiration for the Little Soles Display came after viewing a similar display seen at a Lenten retreat in Vandalia, Illinois in March 2001. The display was a collection of 4,000 shoes in a huge pile and was brought to Vandalia by pro-life supporters from Boone County Iowa.  To see that many shoes in a pile and to realize that each shoe represented an abortion that takes place in the United States each day is overwhelming!

It made such an impact on the founders of the Little Soles display project, Rosemary O’Connor and Ron Van Tassel of Kankakee, that they decided to begin work on their own collection of baby shoes, sizes 0-3, to circulate throughout the Midwest.

How We've Grown

How does one come up with 4,000 pairs of baby shoes?  Behind this project is the story of where the shoes have come from.  Initially, a letter was sent to local churches and individuals.  The designated collection points were the Birthright office, St. Rose of Lima and St. Martin of Tours Catholic Churches, and the Love Christian Center in Kankakee Illinois.  Next, a mass mailing was done to churches in Kankakee and Will Counties and Catholic schools.

Donated shoes have not arrived in huge quantities at one time.  Most often shoes have been sent a few pairs at a time.  Shoes have been sent by children, individuals, church groups, councils of Catholic women, and families.  One single mother of two children who frequented garage sales made it her mission to find shoes to contribute.  Over a summer she contributed 140 shoes.  Shoes have come from as far away as Los Angeles, California; Estes Park, Colorado; Omaha, Nebraska; and from all over Illinois.

Collecting shoes can be a positive opportunity to talk about abortion, adoption, and reverence for life at all ages. Those who might not otherwise have a venue for this discussion are able to talk to those at garage sales, resale shops, and to family members and friends.

After handling the shoes while setting up and taking down the display, one begins to relate to the shoes and can readily recognize new shoes which have been added to the pile while on display at a location.  One cannot but help thinking about who wore the scuffed shoes and what has become of the person who outgrew them.  Just think about your favorite pair of shoes, of seeing your loved one’s shoes by the door, or of the difficult task of disposing of a loved one’s shoes after they are deceased.

The current count is 3,399 shoes.