Revamped Style

The coronavirus pandemic has put the lives of people on hold. However, rather than waste the extra time we are being given, us four decided to take this opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. As we shelter ourselves in our homes, it is important to stay connected with what is occurring in the world, including the struggles of others. Living in an affluent town like Livingston, we recognize that people across the globe are suffering tremendously not only health-wise, but also financially as a result of the pandemic.
While enduring one of those dragging, painful days that we are all too familiar with, and in the process of cleaning out our closets, each of us noticed that we all had a bunch of old shoes just laying around. Sure, we could just donate them as is… but, why not do something a little extra? Thus, Revamped Style was created.
Revamped Style takes old shoes and repurposes them to be donated. Each sneaker is cleaned and touched up with a colorful, creative design. All other shoes are cleaned up and donated as is. We partnered up with Soules4Souls, a successful charity that donates old shoes through a micro-enterprise option. We spoke with the Northern NJ representative, Lizzy Swiderski, who was thrilled to hear about our idea and gave us some insight on what impact our donated shoes are going to have. Soules4Souls mission is to provide relief to people in need and turn unwanted shoes into opportunities in impoverished countries and areas. These donations will help people sustain their lives and businesses, which includes buying food, clothing, and paying for an education. These shoes offer a long-term solution and long-lasting impact for struggling countries, people, and the economy.
Unfortunately, as of right now, it is difficult to get more people involved in our mission due to social distancing regulations. However, once school starts back up and most certainly in the fall of 2021, we are eager to start a new club at Livingston High School, where we can get more students and staff involved in our mission and set up a donation box in various areas of the school. In the future we are hopeful that we can broaden our platform to our community as well.
So, if you find yourself cleaning out your closet and a pile of shoes begins to mount, consider holding on to them until you can donate them to us for a refurbished contribution.
We would love to have Revamped Style become a bigger non-profit organization. If  you are interested in becoming involved and starting a chapter in your hometown, please email us at revampedstyle2020@gmail.com. This is something you can definitely start now from the comfort of your own home.


Written by Livingston High School Juniors: Nicki Depalma, Lauren Belcuore, Jamie Porigow and Becca Cullen