The Woodlands Children’s Museum Joins Forces with TOMS to Raise Awareness of Children Living in Poverty

THE WOODLANDS, TX – The Woodlands Children’s Museum is joining with TOMS to help make the world a better place – kicking off one pair of shoes at a time. On TOMS One Day Without Shoes, scheduled for Tuesday, April 29, museum guests are encouraged to break the rules – and take off their shoes and socks.

By going barefoot, the museum and TOMS, a conscientious shoe retailer, hope to increase global awareness of how difficult life without shoes can be. Angela Colton, executive director of The Woodlands Children’s Museum, said a lack of shoes is just a symptom of a larger problem.

We are really hoping to focus on issues of children who are struggling to break the poverty cycle, Colton said. Often, the challenges they face without access to education or health providers go unnoticed. We want to bring this issue into the forefront. She said that providing children with shoes can help meet school uniform requirements and can enable children to attend school regularly.

Colton also explained that wearing shoes and practicing good foot hygiene can prevent the debilitating disease podoconiosis, which is caused by going barefoot in certain soils. The museum will have several activities for young visitors on TOMS One Day Without Shoes, event coordinator Stefanie Pelkey explained. Children can participate in a collaborative footprint painting project that will be sent to TOMS upon completion.

They also can also walk through a sensory experience – trying out different textures like sand and grass, Pelkey said. Visitors may print their own t-shirts or enjoy a mini-pedicure thanks to AVEDA, having their tiny toenails painted and receiving a TOMS temporary tattoo. Located at 4775 W. Panther Creek Drive, Suite 280, in The Woodlands, 77381, the museum has a full calendar of exciting activities. For more information, contact Stefanie Pelkey, events coordinator, at spelkey@woodlandschildrensmuseum.org.

To learn more about The Woodlands Children’s Museum, its hours of operation and ways to support the nonprofit, visit woodlandschildrensmuseum.org or call 281-465-0955. The museum is always looking for sponsors or partners for events. Follow the museum’s Twitter handle @thewoodlandscm.