DeKALB – When Khrysty McWhorter’s family decided to do some spring cleaning, they realized they had too many shoes.

To help other families in the community, McWhorter started a free shoe closet on the front porch of her house. The DeKalb Illinois Free Shoe Closet, located at 612 Haish Blvd. in DeKalb, is open to everyone, regardless of need, daily during daylight hours.

Shoes in all sizes, from infant’s to men’s size 13, are available in a variety of styles, colors and brands.

Donations of shoes to the free shoe closet are always accepted. Two-gallon zip-close bags to separate each pair of shoes are also needed.

McWhorter spoke to MidWeek reporter Katrina Milton about the free shoe closet and the items available.

Milton: How did the Free Shoe Closet start?

McWhorter: I have three children, and we were going through our shoes. We had 30 or so pairs we didn’t use anymore. I set up a little makeshift shelf on our front porch, and posted online about having free shoes. People started to come, and they asked if they could donate shoes. Donations began pouring in and we ran out of space quickly.

Milton: Why did you decide to start the free shoe closet?

McWhorter:  As soon as I realized that this was a community need, it seemed like a convenient thing to do. We had the space, and people had the need, so starting the shoe closet seemed like the next logical step. About five to 10 people, and as many as 20 people, per week are coming out for shoes. Apparently there is a huge community need.

Milton: Describe what visitors see when they stop by.

McWhorter: On the left-hand side of the porch, there is a shelf for donations. On the right, there is a shelf of just boots. Those are easier to grab and right in front because people seem to need those more now. There are infant sizes, child sizes, then women’s and men’s. Everything is organized and labeled.

Milton: What types of shoes are available?

McWhorter: There’s a little bit of everything: work shoes, dress up shoes for little kids, lots of boots, a whole bunch of casual shoes, sneakers, tennis shoes and slip-ons. There are infant sizes up to men’s size 13 right now. Some shoes are brand new, some have tags and are still in their boxes. Interestingly enough, those new-in-box shoes are not the first ones to go.

Milton: What are shoes quickest to leave the shelves?

McWhorter: Seasonal shoes, such as rain boots and snow boots, and shoes with unique patterns and fun colors will go really, really quickly. Regular gym shoes in good shape are also very popular.

Milton: How can the free shoe closet help those in need?

McWhorter: I know we have a few clothes closets in the area, but I haven’t seen one that’s specifically for shoes. The shoe closet is a less expensive way to provide for your family. There are no requirements and you don’t have to be in poverty. Whoever wants or needs shoes can stop by. Shoes are expensive, especially for families with young children. Kids grow very fast. You can spend $25 to $50 for shoes that they outgrow very, very fast. You end up like me with a lot of shoes that are barely worn and in good condition.

Milton: Do you have to be in need to stop by for shoes?

McWhorter: No, the shoe closet is definitely a great option for a one-time use shoe. A bunch of people stopped by to grab shoes for costumes for Halloween. There’s such a community of giving in DeKalb that I wouldn’t be concerned if someone stops by for a pair of shoes just because they’d like a new pair. There’s always donations coming in. There are shoes here and they’re going to be used. If you need them, take them.

Milton: Can people swap out donations for shoes on the shelves?

McWhorter: People are welcome to bring them back and make a trade. I’d love to see people bring shoes back so someone else can have them.

Milton: Are you in need of any items?

McWhorter: I’m just providing the space, so there’s not really anything monetarily that we need. We just need donations of shoes. I’ve started to ask people to stop donating sandals because it’s Midwest wintertime and they’re not really needed right now. Two-gallon Ziploc bags are always needed. I use 2-gallon Ziploc bags to separate each pair of shoes. I could also use some screens put up on my porch.

Milton: How can the free shoe closet help during the holidays?

McWhorter: If anybody knows someone in need of shoes, it absolutely would make a good gift. A lot of times, people need formal shoes for their kids or their own Christmas outfits, so it would be a good way to get a hold of those, too. Shoes are always needed.

For information, visit the DeKalb Illinois Free Shoe Closet's Facebook page.