UN-Dressed to Give: Could you go one day without shoes?

Several of my coworkers and I are going barefoot today, and the reason we're shedding our shoes has nothing to do with the gorgeous spring weather.

We're doing it to bring attention to the fact that many children in developing countries go each day barefoot. Today, TOMS Shoes is encouraging everyone to go barefoot for the day (or even just a few minutes) to understand how a life without shoes might be.

TOMS is a shoe company with a mission to provide one pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair of shoes purchased. Many children in developing countries grow up without having a pair of shoes, which can have a huge impact on their lives. Going barefoot everyday can lead to contracting soil-transmitted diseases, result in infection from cuts or scrapes, or even prevent kids from attending school, where shoes are part of required uniforms. TOMS is focused on raising awareness about this issue and donating shoes to children in need.

You can find out more information about One Day Without Shoes here, and if you RSVP for the event, you'll be entered to win a chance to accompany TOMS employees on a shoe drop, all expenses paid! Also, you can find out if your community is having a local event to show support. If you participate today, upload your photos (like the one here of my coworkers standing around my Glitter TOMS) and stories here and share your experience. And if going barefoot is just not your thing, don't worry. You can still show your support by purchasing a pair of TOMS shoes.

Check out the video below to see some of the people taking part in One Day Without Shoes. Will you be going barefoot today?