The Smith Group is a known financial services group. But the organization is quickly becoming equally recognized for its annual efforts in giving back to those less fortunate.
Owner Carl Smith is also one of the cofounders of Clarity2Prosperity, an organization that picks a charity to which to donate every year. In January, the organization began efforts to support Soles4Souls, a global social enterprise committed to fighting poverty through the collection and distribution of shoes and clothing, according to its website.
The Smith Group began a shoe drive for the needy in January, and through the efforts of its offices and partners, local officials so far have collected more than 14,000 pairs of shoes.
"We've always been known to support the community, and this is just another effort that we want to be a part of," Smith said.
Cheri Reese, also of the Smith Group, said the company's efforts have received great responses from friends, family and clients.
"We've had people bring in bags of shoes, and we have bags stacked up right now and ready to ship out," she said.
In addition, the group has a tree in the front of the office with several more pairs of shoes underneath so clients and those passing by can see the donation effort.
The Smith Group is accepting new or used shoes until July 15 and will then ship the shoes off to a collection point. From there, shoes will be shipped to Haiti and other nations where clothing resources are needed, said Reese. Monetary donations can also be made to Soles4Souls.
"It's a great cause and we're glad the community has gotten behind us in this effort," Reese said.
Shoes can be donated at the Smith Group's office, 149 Crepe Myrtle Court, Aiken. For more information, call 803-649-6645.
Learn more about at Soles4Souls at soles4souls.org.
Derrek Asberry is the SRS beat reporter for the Aiken Standard and has been with the paper since June 2013.