Steps of Hope Shoe Drive – Finale

Throughout the month of November, our team at the Foot & Ankle Center of Iowa came together for one shared purpose: spreading comfort, dignity, and hope to our neighbors. Through our Steps of Hope shoe drive, we invited our communities to join us in collecting new and gently used shoes for individuals and families in need. This projects reflects who we are as a clinic, both in the care we provide and in the values we uphold.

The response was remarkable!

Supporting the Des Moines Metro Area

Our Des Moines-Metro team, including our Ankeny, Des Moines, and Grimes locations, gathered donations that were delivered to the Ankeny Service Center. This nonprofit plays an essential role in meeting basic needs for local families by offering food, clothing, housing support, and access to vital community resources.

Each holiday season, the Ankeny Service Center hosts a Holiday Assistance Program that brings joy and relief to men, women, and children facing challenging circumstances. Through our shoe donations, our DSM team had the privilege of contributing to this effort, helping ensure that families feel supported and seen during a time of year that can be especially difficult.

Partnering With Fort Dodge and Sac City Communities

Our Fort Dodge and Sac City teams extended the reach of Steps of Hope by supporting two incredible organizations: The Beacon of Hope and the Lotus Community Project. The Beacon of Hope provides a safe shelter, clothing, food, and spiritual and emotional support for men experiencing homelessness or transitional hardship. The Lotus Community Project similarly lifts up women and children by offering housing, access to resources, nourishment, and clothing in an environment focused on safety and empowerment.

The generosity shown by our teams and our patients allowed us to bring meaningful assistance to both organizations, strengthening the supportive networks that so many individuals rely on.

A Community Effort Worth Celebrating

We are honored to share that, together, our clinic and community supported 282 families this year. This milestone represents far more than a number. It reflects stories of warmth, relief, and renewed confidence. It reflects neighbors helping neighbors.

Our Gratitude to Those Who Made This Possible

We could never have accomplished this without the incredible support of our patients, families, and friends who donated so generously. Your kindness fueled this initiative and allowed us to reach more individuals than ever before.

We are also deeply grateful for the partnership of several outstanding small businesses that welcomed collection boxes into their spaces and rallied their communities to join this cause. Their involvement extended the reach of Steps of Hope in a meaningful and inspiring way.

Community Partners: Designed 2 Move, Athletico South Ankeny, Fitness Sports (Ankeny, Johnston, Clive) F45 (Ankeny, DSM)

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate this year’s accomplishments, we remain committed to carrying this work forward beyond the holiday season. Our hope is that the spirit of Steps of Hope continues to inspire ongoing acts of kindness, service, and connection throughout the year.

Thank you to every individual and partner who helped make this year’s drive a success. Together, we created something truly special for the communities we serve.