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As we continue the mission of Dan's Gentle Soles, we are reminded every day of Dan Hogan, whose life and spirit inspired this organization. As an avid collector of Nike Air Jordans, Dan took great pride in his collection. Upon his passing in 2020, our charity was formed, and the name Dan's Gentle Soles (DGS) was chosen to honor both his gentle soul and his love of sneakers—a fitting tribute that has become the foundation of our mission.

Since its founding, DGS has donated sneakers and shoes to individuals and families facing life's challenges. While financial hardship can certainly create a need, we have learned that people experience difficult circumstances for many reasons—illness or loss of a loved one, devastating house fires, natural disasters, family separations, and other life-changing events.

A new pair of sneakers or shoes may seem like a simple gift, but it often represents something much greater: comfort, dignity, encouragement, and the knowledge that someone cares. Through these acts of kindness, Dan's spirit continues to walk alongside those who need a little extra support.

Oaklyn Cougars Organization

Oaklyn Cougars

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DGS continues our ongoing support of the Oaklyn Cougars youth football program, where he played many years ago. Your generosity has helped us provide equipment and assist with registration fees, ensuring that young athletes have opportunities to participate, grow, and succeed both on and off the field.

Each year, we are proud to attend the league's annual football/cheer banquet. This special event gives us the opportunity to introduce DGS to new players and families, reconnect with returning participants, and celebrate the accomplishments of the season. Seeing these athletes develop confidence, sportsmanship, teamwork, and leadership reminds us why supporting youth programs is such an important part of our mission.

We believe Dan would be proud to know that his legacy is helping young athletes pursue their goals, build lasting friendships, and create memories that will stay with them for years to come.

From the Oaklyn Cougars:

On behalf of the entire Oaklyn Cougars Youth Football & Cheer program, we want to express our deepest gratitude to Dan's Gentle Soles for your continued and generous support. Your assistance with helmets and other essential football equipment has made a tremendous impact. Thanks to you, we have been able to retire over 40 old helmets and replace them with safe, high-quality ones. This support ensures every player is properly equipped, protected, and ready for game day. We are truly appreciative of your ongoing partnership and dedication to our community. Thank you for investing in our young athletes and helping them thrive.

Thanks for all you and your family does for our organization!!! It's amazing when our kids (even the parents) get their hands on the new equipment. The excitement of seeing the new stuff gives extra confidence to the players and, to the parents, knowing the safety of the kids is up to date! Thank you .. thank you .. thank you!!!

Isaiah 117 House (Duval County, Florida)

Isaiah 117 House

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Isaiah 117 House is a faith-based nonprofit 501(c)(3) created to help children and families facing hardship. Its mission is to provide a safe, caring environment so children can heal, feel supported, and have stability during difficult times.

The Duval County location opened in June 2024. Staff and volunteers offer a welcoming "red-door" place during hard moments—so children aren't left waiting in stressful settings—and help families through local care coordination, connecting needs to the right support. For teenagers especially, foster-care support and care coordination mean they don't have to navigate stressful transitions alone.

Stories from volunteers after DGS donated Air Jordan sneakers:

A young man was brought to Isaiah House and was sorta closed off and didn't really communicate. He didn't like any of the shoes we offered until I brought down the Jordans. He nodded his head vigorously and finally warmed up! Thank you all so much, it has been such a blessing!

As I walked through the door, I saw a young man on the edge of the seat holding a baby. He had tears in his eyes as he held his sister and fear on his face. I walked over, put my hand on his back and introduced myself. He said his name and then his sister's as the tears welled up once again. As I talked to him and asked questions, he nodded his head. Then I said, 'For the time you're here, I am here for you!'

He didn't want to give up his clothing size or shoe size, as in his mind he was going home. His two older sisters told us what he would wear, so my partner and I went to work. Later in the evening, when all seven bags were packed, we brought them down. I showed the young man his bag with his name. There were three bags in total for him. His face began to show a slight smile as he saw a bag with his name—which meant it belonged to him.

Getting the shoe size took a bit longer. After kidding around and talking with him, he finally told me, 'I'm a size 10!' I couldn't run up those stairs fast enough to get that young man a pair I knew he would like—Jordans!!!! And he sure did!! The smile was worth it all. He became relaxed and realized we were there for him and his siblings.

Paper bags were laid out on the kitchen table with each child's name on them. He was the second person to go shopping in the pantry. He just couldn't believe his eyes as the food was flowing. As he passed me in the kitchen I asked, 'Did you get the good stuff?' 'I SURE DID!!' Lavishingly loving, if only for a short while, makes this world a much better place.

From a Care Coordinator:

I was in tears when I read what the Isaiah House volunteer wrote! So happy to be a part of Dan's legacy of bringing joy through his love of shoes (Jordans) to these kiddos.

Thank YOU all for being willing to learn about Isaiah 117 House! We are happy to share these stories and let you know the joy it means to these kids.

Hope is a gift… and it grows with every step we take to help others.

A family with teenagers was experiencing a medical crisis of a loved one, and DGS reached out to them. Each of the teenagers received a pair of Nike Jordans.

What a great thing you are doing in remembrance of your son, Dan. I love it! Thank you again. Much love is felt.

We truly appreciate the donation, and I love seeing the smiles on all of their faces! Thank you for reaching out to us. I love your mission, and you are making the world a better, happier place.

We're excited to share that the new Dan's Gentle Soles website is live at dansgentlesoles.com.

The site brings together Dan's story, recipient stories, Dan's sneaker collection, upcoming events, and ways to get involved—all in one place. You can also listen to Dan's playlist, nominate someone in need, share a memory of Dan, and support the mission.

We hope you'll take a few minutes to explore, share the site with friends and family, and stay connected as we continue carrying Dan's gentle spirit forward—one step at a time.

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Upcoming Fundraising Events

We are excited about future fundraising efforts that will help us continue and expand the mission of DGS.

SAVE THE DATE
Thursday, November 19, 2026 · 5:00–9:00 PM
Farm Truck Brewing · 100 W Merchant St, Audubon, NJ

Farm Truck Brewing

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This will be a wonderful way to start the holiday season of giving as we gather together in love and support. We'll post more details on Instagram and our website as they become available.

View Event Details

We also anticipate additional events in Pennsylvania and California, as well as a possible golf outing in Florida. Dates, locations, and details will be shared as plans are finalized.

As we look to the future, our commitment remains the same: to honor Dan's memory by helping others walk forward with confidence, comfort, and hope. We look forward to welcoming both longtime supporters and those who are learning about Dan's Gentle Soles for the first time.