This summer, HANSON and TOMS Shoes announced a partnership to help end AIDS and poverty in Africa. HANSON is committed to helping those stricken with HIV / AIDS, and TOMS donates a pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair purchased. Together, these two organizations hope to make a bigger difference and reach more people than if they stood alone.

On HANSON's Fall 2007 "The Walk Tour", the band worked to raise awareness of TOMS' mission, by staging a 1 mile walk in every city and inviting TOMS to sell their shoes at every show. HANSON helped TOMS reach their goal of donating 50,000 pairs of shoes to children in need, as well as helping TOMS reach a new audience.

But this was only the beginning. In November, HANSON accompanied TOMS Shoes founder Blake Mycoskie to South Africa to assist in "dropping" those 50,000 new pairs of shoes. Isaac, Taylor and Zac personally outfitted many South African children and revisited the country and people they have been working towards helping through their "Great Divide" single and merchandise, as well as several other projects they are involved in. The next shoe drop is scheduled for July, and this Spring HANSON will again be helping TOMS reach their goal.
- But you can check out a video from the South African trip right here