Every step we take brings us forward towards our future. Few understand this better than unaccompanied minors—children who’ve summoned extraordinary strength and courage to traverse thousands of kilometers across oceans, mountains, and deserts, all driven by a single, unyielding force: hope. Hope for peace. Hope for opportunity. Hope for a life where dreams can take flight.
When these children arrive, their tired feet and worn shoes tell a story of resilience and determination—a testament to the challenges they’ve faced and the hope that carried them through.
Now, they’re ready to take their first steps into a new life in the Netherlands, and we’re here to walk beside them, making sure they know they’re not alone.
Through our work with COA locations across the Netherlands, we’ve seen how many of these children lack proper footwear to face the cold, wet weather—a small but crucial need that can make a big difference in their comfort and confidence.
So, we called on companies to help us fill this gap—and the response has been nothing short of inspiring.
Step 1: Filling Pieces welcomes them with warmth, comfort, style and dignity 👟
Fashion brand Filling Pieces became our heroes, offering 800 pairs of shoes. Jeroen Overweg, E-Commerce/Marketing Manager at Filling Pieces, shared why they decided to answer the call:
“At Filling Pieces, our mission has always been about bridging the gap and creating a world where people feel connected and valued. When we heard about People for People’s work with unaccompanied minors arriving in the Netherlands, we knew it was an important cause we wanted to support. These young people are stepping into entirely new lives, often without even basic essentials. By donating high-quality footwear, we can make their first steps in a new country a little easier, more comfortable, and filled with dignity. It’s a way to show them that they’re welcome here and that there’s a community looking out for them.”
Step 2: Amazon covers KMs in a heartbeat 🚚💨
The next piece of the puzzle was figuring out how we could get the shoes to our warehouse. Our friends at Amazon stepped in to support our cause.
They picked up 8 pallets of shoes at Filling Pieces’ warehouse in Eindhoven and transported them to our warehouse in Amsterdam.
Step 3: People for People volunteers join forces 📦🙌
Our network of volunteers was ready and waiting to receive the shipment. Throughout the following weeks, teams joined us in our warehouse to unpack and sort the boxes according to need and location.
“I was shocked to see that so many kids here in the Netherlands don’t have proper winter clothing. At one of the locations I visited, a COA worker told me some of the kids go to school in flip flops. These shoes are such an essential need for them,” says Eluna Verink, People for People’s Inventory Manager.
After that, our team hit the road delivering shoes and making friends along the way…
Step 4: Shoes reach asylum locations across the Netherlands ❤️🚀
Thanks to the power of collective action which saw Filling Pieces, Amazon, and our volunteers come together, so far we have provided 492 shoes to 10 different locations and counting.
“For unaccompanied minors arriving in the Netherlands, proper footwear is more than just a necessity—it’s an important foundation for both comfort and confidence. Many arrive with shoes that aren’t suited for the cold, wet winters here, which impacts their health and well-being. At Filling Pieces, we know that footwear isn’t just about practicality; it’s also about expression, identity, and feeling good in what you’re wearing. By providing them with high-quality, winter-appropriate shoes, we’re not only protecting them from the elements but also giving them a sense of confidence and self-worth,” said Overweg.
Collective action in a heartbeat ❤️
This mission reminds us that when we come together, incredible things happen. From Filling Pieces’ generous donation to Amazon’s seamless logistics and the unwavering dedication of our volunteers, we’ve shown what’s possible when everyone steps up to ensure no child is left behind.
Want to know how your company can join this journey of hope and action? Reach out to us to find out how your strengths can be leveraged to make a positive impact.
Let’s help these kids keep moving forward, one step at a time.
