GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A Grand Rapids recruiting company is asking for donations of steel toe shoes and boots.
Many of the positions that Express Employment Professionals pairs their clients with include manufacturing and warehouse jobs. Some roles require steel toe shoes and boots.
"It’s always been a safety regimen for a lot of our companies. We want them to be safe. We want them to be protected if they are working around heavy equipment or metal," said Wendy Devries, Team Lead at Express Employment Professionals.
Some brands and models can cost as much as $150, which some clients may not be able to afford in a matter of days prior to a paycheck. Clients on a weekly, if not daily, basis decline positions that require the footwear because of the cost or accessibility.
"It’s just so heartbreaking," said Devries.
She and staffing consultant Isaac Vis are trying to gather donations to help clients who need the shoes for positions they may like to accept. Many people who work in trades or manufacturing may get a stipend for steel toe shoes or boots every year, meaning some may have additional pairs at home that are not used.
Vis put out a call on social media to family and friends, receiving more than a dozen offers for donations. He hopes for as many as 100 pairs to keep on hand for clients.
"It was a very good response. I was not expecting that many. I’m very excited about it," said Vis.
They're asking for shoes and boots in gently used condition in a range of women's and men's sizes.
"To be able to offer to that to someone makes my heart sing that we could do that for someone," said Devries.
If you would like to donate a pair of shoes, you can contact Express Employment Professionals at (616) 281-0611. You can also drop them directly at 1760 44th St SW #10, Grand Rapids, MI 49519.
