BELLAIRE • MEMORIAL • RIVER OAKS • TANGLEWOOD • WEST UNIVERSITY

Taking the Next Step

By Oliver Tsao, age 18 | December 27, 2025

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IF THE SHOE FITS Oliver Tsao, a senior at Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, founded a nonprofit, Next Step Shoes, to collect shoes for underserved Houstonians. He has collected and donated nearly 5,000 pairs of shoes to those in need.

Two years ago, I was volunteering at a clothing pantry distributing items of clothing to underserved people. I could not complete many of the orders because one item in particular was not available: shoes. I learned that shoes are consistently at the top of the “most needed” lists for clothing pantries across the country. Shoes provide comfort, safety, dignity, and even the ability to apply for a job or attend school. I wanted to help address this need that feels almost like a basic human right.

I started by reaching out to family and friends and asked them to share shoes they did not need. Within a week, I collected 150 pairs of shoes to donate to the clothing pantry, all of which would be gone by the next time I went to volunteer! The impact encouraged me. I started Next Step Shoes, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to collecting and distributing gently used shoes to underserved Houstonians.

I reached out to other communities after the success of my first effort. I made flyers, emailed school principals, and contacted business owners. I gave presentations to school leadership and community groups. I dealt with several setbacks, but I felt like I was making a difference, so I persevered. Over the past two years, I’ve partnered with more than 20 organizations to coordinate used-shoe drives and delivered almost 5,000 pairs of shoes to individuals who would otherwise be without adequate footwear. My idea is simple, but I am proud to have identified a problem and played a part in a solution.

Have you gone through your closets lately? I would love to help repurpose any shoes your family has outgrown or is ready to share. We accept all types of new and gently used shoes (sneakers, dress shoes, sandals, boots) for men, women, and children. Collection boxes will be at West University United Methodist Church front office (3611 University Blvd.) from Jan. 5-30.

Editor’s note: See more on Instagram @next.step_shoes and website nextstepshoes.net.

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