About Us
We are a student-run nonprofit fighting homelessness one pair at a time.
Founded by UCLA students in 2021, Spare a Pair is a volunteer organization dedicated to providing Los Angeles' homeless population with new socks and new or gently used sneakers. Through fundraising events and donations, we will gather resources in order to put new socks and shoes in the hands of many individuals in the homeless population in Westwood and LA as a whole.
Meet the Board
Our Story
Spare a Pair was founded by three childhood friends who, while attending UCLA together during the pandemic, witnessed the worsening homelessness crisis in Los Angeles firsthand. They noticed that one problem was not getting much attention: shoelessness among homeless people. While there were abundant food drives, opportunities to donate money, and more, no one seemed to be asking for shoes! After speaking with their peers, they also noticed that most people had a surplus of used shoes sitting in the back of their closets, just waiting to be thrown out.
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In founding Spare a Pair, the trio hopes to raise awareness about what a pair of shoes could mean to someone else, provide opportunities to have these sneakers donated, and get them into the hands of people who will use them every day. Something as simple as a pair of shoes can have a significant impact on a person's daily life and overall well-being. With your help, we can make a positive difference in the lives of those who are less fortunate.