For the past few years, a local Niles business has been part of an annual shoe drive, collecting scores of shoes to help people, including Niles Family Services – which offers social assistance to residents. Megan Sajdak Holtan, co-owner and director of marketing of Midwest Shoe Merchants, told Pi oneer Press that Waxberg’s Walk Shoppe has participated in the “Share-A-Pair Shoe Drive” since her Wisconsin-based company acquired the store on Dempster Street in December 2022. “We’ve been doing this for 20 years,” Sajdak Holtan said. “Corporate-wide to date we’ve collected over 400,000 pairs of shoes.” Midwest Shoe Merchants is formerly Stan’s Bootery Inc. The company owns several shoe stores in Wisconsin, along with Waxberg’s in Niles. As part of the drive, which is running throughout the month of February, people who donate new or gently used footwear for men, women or children – or even new socks – receive a $10 thank-you coupon. It is good for savings off the donor’s next purchase of a regular price shoe or handbag at Waxberg’s, Sajdak Holtan explained. “February is the love month, the soulmate month, the month to think about others,” Sajdak Holtan said. “It’s a great month to think about something outside of ourselves and to give back.” She said the corporate goal for Share-A-Pair donations in February is 25,000 new or gently used shoes. Donations may be dropped off daily at Waxberg’s, 7013 W. Dempster St. Citing winter weather, Sajdak Holtan said February temperatures make it a good time for the monthlong Share-A-Pair push. “Having it be a colder month, it’s a great opportunity to get boots and shoes and socks so we can donate them and they’re used right away,” she said. Although all donations are welcome, she explained that men’s and women’s shoes, as well as larger sizes and smaller sizes, are always needed. One of the heartwarming stories Sajdak Holtan relayed was that of a recent Waxberg’s customer who bought two pairs of shoes and placed them in the Share-A-Pair donation bin. “It’s just amazing that someone would take that next step to do that,” she said. Waxberg’s collected about 3,500 shoes in 2025 and Niles Family Services received hundreds of shoes throughout that year as the social services department of the village of Niles requested and needed to increase their supply, according to Sajdak Holtan. “Having a pair of shoes can really make a difference,” she said. “Our corporate mission is improving lives from the ground up. According to the corporate website, the belief is that shoes are a life essential and are the foundation of health, mobility and dignity, and provide comfort, protection and confidence. “We also work with Soles4Souls, a national nonprofit. They donate all over the world,” Sajdak Holtan said. “We’re always looking for more nonprofits in the Niles area as well.” Jessi Virtusio is a freelancer. ...read more read less