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—not ahead of or for them.
We serve in intentional spaces—never performative or promotional.
We believe in fresh starts and fresh shoes.
We serve people—not causes—with dignity, 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 a warehouse—big step forward.
“When I got my shoes, it wasn’t just about comfort—it was about being treated like I mattered.”
— Jasmine
Aurora Resident
“I walked into the event broken. I walked out smiling.”
— Daniel
Shoe Recipient
“When I got my shoes, it wasn’t just about comfort—it was about being treated like I mattered.”
— Jasmine
Aurora Resident
“I walked into the event broken. I walked out smiling.”
— Daniel
Shoe Recipient