‘Every pair of shoes is spreading love’: This Chesterfield woman has donated shoes to her community for years

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — One Chesterfield woman is making a difference in the lives of those who have less -- one step at a time.  That woman, Denise Biggs, is the creator and executive director of Katie's Soles, a nonprofit organization that donates life essentials to those who are in the most need.    Biggs has been running Katie's Soles since 2019. When she first started this journey, she had no idea that the need for what she was doing was going to be so great. “People couldn't believe that I was giving it away for free,” Biggs said. "That was the first thing. They didn't believe that no one would give shoes away for free. And I love it. I truly love what I'm doing.”   Denise Biggs doing work with her nonprofit, Katie's Soles. Katie's Soles. (Photos provided to 8News by Denise Biggs) Denise Biggs doing work with her nonprofit, Katie's Soles. Katie's Soles. (Photos provided to 8News by Denise Biggs) As fulfilling and purposeful as the organization has become now, Biggs told 8News it was born out of grief.    “I got the name from my mom -- her name was Katie," Biggs said. "And, when we was little, she used to tell us all the time to have good shoes on our feet." Katie passed away in 2000 after battling cancer. "I just wanted to do something in her honor, because we know grief is real,” Biggs said.   Denise Biggs' mother, Katie -- the namesake of her nonprofit, Katie's Soles. Katie's Soles. (Photos provided to 8News by Denise Biggs) Over the last 5 years, she has put that feeling of heavy grief to work. “You have to do something that helps you out," Biggs said. "[And] I thought it was helping me out, but [it] is helping the whole community and the society, as well." A couple of times a week, Biggs sets up shop at various places across Central Virginia, putting a special focus on Petersburg where she grew up. Through Katie's Soles, she offers shoes, socks and hygiene products to communities in need. (Photos: Alexis Bellamy/8News) Katie's Soles. (Photos provided to 8News by Denise Biggs) Biggs said that this year has already exceeded her expectations. “This year -- just [this] year alone -- we have given over 5000 pairs of shoes," she said. That number was made possible with the help of occasional donations from a few local stores, on top of the shoes she personally buys with her own money when she can. Biggs said that it's all a part of her plan of spreading what's most important to everyone she meets: love. “Because every pair of shoes is spreading love,” Biggs said. "And that's what I want to be known [for,] giving love and hope back to the community.”     Biggs said that her next giveaway will be held on Nov. 12 at People's Advantage.