Wesley Chapel families looking to help local students head back to school with new footwear have two ways to pitch in this fall: donate shoes and socks at the Tax Collector's Wesley Chapel office, or lace up for Pasco County's first-ever Two Good Soles 5K on Saturday, Sept. 12.

The 11th annual Two Good Soles Shoes & Socks Drive is collecting new children's shoes (size 10 and up), adult shoes, and neutral-colored socks through Friday, Oct. 16. Since launching in 2016, the campaign has put more than 24,000 pairs of shoes and 58,000 pairs of socks into the hands of Pasco County school social workers, who distribute them directly to students in need.

This year, Pasco County Government and its Constitutional Offices added a companion fundraiser: the Two Good Soles 5K at Sunwest Park, 17362 Old Dixie Highway in Hudson. The race starts at 8 a.m. and is open to runners, walkers, and families. Registration fees go toward purchasing additional shoes and socks for students. Participants can also bring new donations to the event. Registration is available at mypas.co/TwoGoodSoles5KRegistration.

The county announced the 5K on its official X account on Tuesday, July 28, calling it the program's first run/walk event in 11 years.

Where to drop off in Wesley Chapel

Wesley Chapel residents can leave donations at the Pasco County Tax Collector's Wesley Chapel office on Pet Lane in Lutz. Additional drop-off boxes are located at Tax Collector offices in Gulf Harbors, New Port Richey, Land O' Lakes, and Dade City, as well as select Pasco County Libraries. Call 813-929-2760 or visit MyPas.co/TwoGoodSoles for exact locations and hours.

The drive has deep Wesley Chapel roots. Vantagepoint A.I., headquartered in Wesley Chapel, and the Mendelsohn family have supported Two Good Soles for five consecutive years. During the 10th annual drive in 2025, the company donated 500 pairs of shoes and 100 pairs of socks, plus $5,000 to purchase additional footwear, according to a press release from Vantagepoint.

Abby Mendelsohn, then 12, delivered a speech at the Oct. 22, 2025 recognition event. "When I started this at seven, I just wanted to help kids have good shoes," she said. "Now, five years later, I've learned that it's about so much more than shoes — it's about making sure every kid feels confident and ready to learn."

When the county launched its 9th annual drive in September 2024, Board of County Commissioners Chair Ron Oakley said a pair of shoes and socks can make a world of difference for a child in need.

Items accepted: new closed-toe shoes only (no flip-flops), children's size 10 and up, all adult sizes, and neutral-colored socks.

Upcoming community events

• Saturday, Sept. 12 — Two Good Soles 5K, 8 a.m., Sunwest Park, Hudson. Register at mypas.co/TwoGoodSoles5KRegistration.
• Friday, Oct. 16 — Final day to donate shoes and socks at county drop-off locations.