MYLAN'S SHOE CLOSET

Meet Mylan, a student from East Middle School in Statesville, whose leadership and compassion have inspired him to take action in his community. As part of the AHFTC Ignite Your Impact: Youth Service Learning program, Mylan's service learning project was selected out of over 100 youth entries throughout the Carolinas. Mylan has chosen a cause that hits close to home: tackling clothing and shoe insecurity among local youth.

Mylan’s initiative, Mylan’s Shoe Closet, is a service learning project aimed at providing youth in need with new, properly fitting shoes. Many children face daily challenges due to the lack of appropriate shoes for school, sports, and daily activities. These children often experience bullying and social isolation, not just because of their clothing but also because they’re unable to fully participate in physical activities like gym class or sports.

Inspired by the struggles faced by his peers, Mylan decided to take action by launching Mylan’s Shoe Closet. This initiative will provide new pairs of shoes to youth who are dealing with clothing and shoe insecurity. The project will offer shoes that are appropriate for school, gym, sports, and everyday wear, helping youth feel confident and included.

According to Young Voices for Change, 2 out of every 5 children face clothing insecurities, meaning they lack the basic essentials, like shoes, that are appropriate for the environment in which they live. Unfortunately, clothing and shoe insecurity often go unnoticed, overshadowed by more obvious issues such as homelessness and food insecurity. However, the emotional and social consequences are significant. Children who experience clothing insecurity are more likely to suffer from bullying, depression, and behavioral problems, and many even become bullies themselves.

Mylan’s Shoe Closet aims to address this issue head-on by providing youth with a fundamental need: shoes. For children dealing with clothing insecurity, receiving a new, properly fitting pair of shoes can make a world of difference. It can improve their self-esteem, help them participate in physical activities, and allow them to feel more included in their communities. Mylan’s goal is to create a sustainable resource that will continue to help children in need year after year.

From now until May 17, 2025, Mylan is asking for your support in filling Mylan’s Shoe Closet. You can contribute in the following ways:

1. Drop off a pair of shoes at East Middle School in Statesville.

2. Bring a pair of shoes to the Affordable Housing Awareness Month Breakfast on May 1st.

3. Purchase shoes online and mail them to: Attn: Affordable Housing For the Carolinas PO Box 38064Charlotte, NC 28278

Please ensure that the shoes are new and suitable for gym class, sports, or everyday wear. If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to contact me, Markus Cromwell at info@ahftc.org.

In addition to contributing to Mylan’s Shoe Closet, you can learn more about Mylan’s project by attending the Affordable Housing Awareness Month Breakfast on May 1st, where Mylan will be the youth keynote speaker. This is a fantastic opportunity to hear directly from Mylan about his project and the impact it’s already having in the community.

To register for the breakfast, please visit 2025 AHAM Breakfast Registration.

And don’t forget, you can also donate a pair of new tennis shoes at the breakfast to help fill Mylan’s Shoe Closet and support local youth in need.

Mylan’s Shoe Closet is a reminder that even the smallest gesture—like donating a pair of shoes—can have a lasting impact on a child's life. By supporting Mylan’s project, you’re helping to provide youth with the confidence and resources they need to succeed, whether it’s through participation in sports, overcoming bullying, or simply feeling more confident at school.

Thank you for helping Mylan create a lasting impact in the lives of local youth who need it most. Your support will make all the difference!