Footwear brands order hundreds of sample pairs just to test fit and feel — and those pairs were always going to be given away somehow. Project 7|9 just takes that off their hands, finding each batch a real donation home instead of a resale rack.
This is just the beginning. I plan to keep growing Project 7|9 throughout my senior year — partnering with more shoe companies for sample donations, and connecting with a wider range of organizations that can get them into the right hands.
Hi, I'm McKinlee Rainey — a 17-year-old high school senior. During an internship at a footwear company, I noticed that sample shoes used to test fit and feel don't always have a clear next step once that testing wraps up. I started Project 7|9 to give them one.
I work directly with footwear companies to collect those sample pairs, then label, package, and deliver every one to a local charity partner myself.
Two donation events in, and counting.
A short, simple pipeline — from a brand's sample closet to someone who needs shoes right now.
Each sample gets its own bag and its own tag before it goes anywhere.
I partnered with Project Needs and distributed shoes to people in need at one of their Redondo Beach, California sites during a regular distribution session.
For this donation, Blessings for Your Soles came directly to my home. I helped load the shoes into their car, and they carried them back to the organization's facility for distribution.
Whether you're a shoe company with sample pairs or just someone with shoes to give, there's a place for you here.
Project 7|9 got its name from the sample sizes it started with, but it isn't limited to them — shoes of any size are always welcome, so reach out no matter what you have.
If your brand orders sample pairs and isn't sure what happens to them after testing, let's partner. I handle pickup, labeling, and delivery to a charity that needs them.
Partner With MeHave shoes of your own to donate? Reach out and I'll help make sure they get to someone who needs them.
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