Our Story
Shoes for Life was started in the fall of 2008 by newlyweds Daren and Sarah Benson. Together they share a dream of a greater purpose in life and a shared passion of making a difference. Shoes for Life collects new and gently used shoes to local area needy families and internationally through Children of the Nation. Our first international shipment is en route to Uganda this summer.
To contact Shoes for Life email shoesforlifePDX@gmail.com Donating shoes to those in need since 2008. Its good for the soul.
Give your shoes, give a life.
Our Mission
Donating shoes to those in need since 2008. Its good for the soul.
Give your shoes, give a life.
Our Founders
Dr. Daren Benson, DPM
Daren is a native to the Northwest and he attended Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA for his undergraduate training. He earned his Podiatric Medicine degree from California College of Podiatric Medicine in San Francisco. He completed his surgical residency at Kaiser Permanente in Hayward, Fremont and Santa Clara, CA receiving three years of comprehensive training in elective and reconstructive surgery of the foot and ankle. He served as Chief Resident from 2002-2003.
He currently works at the Vancouver Clinic. In his spare time Daren ejoys spending time doing various outdoor activities including camping, running, Duck football and walking his pregnant wife to the local ice cream shop.
Sarah Delamarter Benson
Sarah is also a native to the Northwest, growing up in the small cowboy town of Pendleton, and moving to the big city to attend Seattle Pacific University where she got her BA in psychology. While at SPU she was selected to join the elite drama troupe, the University Players, where she helped write and perform all original work. The troupe also traveled locally and regionally performing short plays and skits for various schools and youth groups teaching lessons on character, integrity, and the love of Jesus Christ.
After graduation and working as a professional actor, Sarah became a social worker and managed a secure dementia care unit for Prestige Care. During this time she learned the true meaning of love and a deeper respect for life in all of its stages. Eventually, the creative drive within her drove her to a career change and another avenue where she felt she could make a difference. She dove into the world of marketing and events and became and the event planner for the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland planning and producing large scale charity events for the locally renowned home show The Street of Dreams.
Today Sarah spends her time working for Shoes for Life. In her spare time she enjoys yoga, running, laughing and spending time with Daren and the dogs.
Daren and Sarah were married in the spring of 2008 and are currently awaiting the arrival of their first child due in the fall.
Give your shoes, give a life.
Our Partnerships
Shoes for Life is currently partnered with Children of the Nations. Their mission is to partner with nationals to provide holistic, Christ centered care for orphaned and destitute children, enabling them to make positive and lasting change in their nations.
Give your shoes, give a life.
