Our Story
It Started With a Conversation and a Pair of Shoes
Founder Tyg Taylor didn’t set out to build a nonprofit. He started with a question: What if new shoes could change not just someone’s posture, but their story?
Wholly Kicks was born from years of street outreach, conversations in alleyways, and community events rooted in kindness. The vision was never to grow big, but to stay deeply present.
Culture in Motion
We walk with people and serve in intentional spaces.
We believe in fresh starts and fresh shoes.
We serve people with respect, joy, and choice.
Wholly Kicks Milestones
First event at a north Aurora clothing pantry.
1,000th pair: for a 5th grader raised by grandma.
584 pairs at our 2nd Annual Santa in the Park.
10,000+ shoes distributed.
6,800 shoes provided in one year.
24,500+ pairs given since launch. 1,500 pairs chosen at our 5th Annual Santa in the Park.
We moved into our new warehouse.
“Do I get to wear these home?”
— Jasmine
Middle School Student
“I've never had a new shoes before. Thank you for helping me to pick them out!”
— Jayden
A 4th grader
“Do I get to wear these home?”
— Jasmine
Middle School Student
“I've never had a new shoes before. Thank you for helping me to pick them out!”
— Jayden
A 4th grader