J.L. Coombs shoe stores, with locations in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts, are collecting used shoes through Soles4Souls.

The Nashville-based group is working to get shoes to

Haiti.  Shoes may be dropped off at J.L. Coombs stores,

at 262-2 Route 1 and 15 Bow Street in Freeport and

22 Exchange St. in Portland.

More than a thousand shoes were among the donations that were

sent to Haiti on the Sea Hunter’s trip from Portland on January 27, 2010.

According to a news item in the January 29, 2010, issue of the

Portland Press Herald, Bob Pearl said in an email that his shoe-store chain will continue to collect worn shoes for those in need.

“After seeing so many in Haiti walking through the rubble in bare feet, we pray that the shoes they may now wear will protect their

feet and give some comfort and relief.”