Skip to content

Dan's Gentle Soles

In memory of Daniel Jude Hogan — spreading joy through the gift of sneakers, one pair at a time.

30+
Pairs Donated
6
States Reached
10+
Groups Supported

Our Mission

Dan's Gentle Soles carries forward Dan's passion and generosity in order to provide sneakers, shoes, and apparel to those in need.

From helping kids who lost everything in natural disasters to funding helmets and registration fees for youth football players, our charity strives to preserve Dan's character and share it with others.

Who Was Dan

Dan Hogan was known for his kind spirit, his humbleness, his loyal friendship, and his gentle soul. He had a passion for sneakers, and a deep love for community.

Dan played four seasons for the Oaklyn Cougars youth football organization and was chosen as the coaches award recipient each of those years. He also played baseball for Audubon Little League, ran track and played basketball for St Rose of Lima in Haddon Heights, and played football for Bishop Eustace Prep. His dedication, sportsmanship, and heart left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him.

Oaklyn Cougars
Audubon Little League
Bishop Eustace Prep
Plumbers and Gasfitters Local 690 Philadelphia, PA union emblem

Dan was a proud member of the Philadelphia Plumbers Union Local 690 since 2002. He worked on and completed many large-scale construction projects in Philadelphia including the Comcast Technology Center, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and Live! Casino & Hotel. As you can see from his picture, he was very skilled!

Open in Spotify

Play uses 30-second previews in your browser. Use Open in Spotify for full tracks.

Music was also a major part of Dan's life. He shared his love for music with those around him, always introducing friends and family to artists and songs they would cherish forever. Whether he was organizing live concerts with friends and family, recommending an album he knew someone would love, or jamming to a curated playlist, Dan always kept the music playing.

Dan purchased his home in Audubon, NJ in 2017. He dedicated many weekends and spare time renovating his home with his own hands and talents as a skilled tradesman. We incorporated Dan's plans and wishes into completing the house remodel for him. Although bittersweet, we were very proud of Blue Thunder House. He would have approved and loved it.

Dan's Gentle Soles was founded by the Hogan Family to honor Dan's memory — carrying forward his generosity and his belief that everyone deserves to feel confident. Everything we do is done with Dan in mind. We are certain he would give the thumbs up.

He lives forever in our hearts.

Remembering Dan

Memories, songs, and reflections shared by family and friends.

Loading thoughts...

You can paste a Spotify song or YouTube video link directly in your thought.

Photos (optional)

Add up to 5 photos, 5 MB each.

We'll email you when your thought is received and if it is published. Your email is never published on the site.

The Collection

A glimpse of sneakers from Dan's personal collection.

Recipient Stories

Here's how we've been giving back to our communities.

Isaiah 117 House logo

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Dan's Gentle Soles was again able to provide Jordans to Isaiah 117 House to help some of the young people experiencing the difficult situation of waiting to be placed in foster care. According to the volunteers, this gesture really made a difference to these kids.

A huge thank you to Judy and Dan's Gentle Soles for their incredible generosity! Because of your donation, children entering foster care have the opportunity to choose a brand-new pair of Jordans to call their own. In a moment filled with uncertainty, something as simple as picking out a new pair of shoes helps restore dignity, provides comfort, and reminds them that they are seen and valued. Thank you for partnering with Isaiah 117 House to help make one of the hardest days a little brighter. Your kindness is making a lasting difference, one child at a time.
Sneakers

Family Facing a Medical Crisis

A lovely family in Maryland was undergoing a medical crisis of a close relative. A new pair of Jordans for each of the children put a smile on their faces, and they knew we cared and were praying for health to be restored to their loved one.

Sneakers

Mississippi Tornado Relief

Donated Nike sneakers to ten members of a high school girls track team in Rolling Fork, MS after devastating tornadoes hit their community.

Sneakers

Colorado Fire Relief

Sent Nikes to young siblings who lost their home and all belongings in the Colorado fires. Tears of happiness when they opened their new sneakers.

Sneakers

Young Athlete's First Basketball Team

Provided new Nikes to a seven-year-old boy from Texas joining his first basketball team — arriving just in time to give him the confidence boost he needed.

Sneakers

Camden County Families

In Camden County, a house fire left children in need. DGS provided Nikes to help with this devastation. We also provided another family with school shoes to complete their uniform requirements. Thank you to our supporters!

Sneakers

Upcoming Events

Join us at an upcoming event and be part of the mission.

Nominate a Recipient

Know a child, family, or team in need of a new pair of sneakers or sports equipment? Tell us about them.

We'll only use this to follow up about your nomination.

Contact Us

Questions, partnerships, or ways to get involved? We'd love to hear from you.

Stay Connected

Subscribe to hear about upcoming events, recipient stories, and ways to get involved.