Longstanding Newark charity event returns to provide free foot care & winter footwear
Foot and ankle surgeon Michael I. Goldberger, M.D., of Tri-County Orthopedics will continue his longstanding tradition of providing free foot care and footwear to individuals experiencing homelessness at the annual Soles for Souls charity event. The event will take place Saturday, Nov. 21, from 12:45 to 3 p.m., at the H.E.L.P. Center, located at 224 Sussex Ave.
Dr. Goldberger, a fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon at Tri-County Orthopedics in Cedar Knolls, and his team will provide free foot health examinations, routine foot care and new winter shoes to individuals in need. In partnership with Urban Renewal Company, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals transition out of homelessness, the event aims to provide essential care and support to underserved members of the community.
What began 22 years ago as a small initiative serving approximately 30 shelter residents has grown into an annual community effort. Last year's event brought together more than 40 volunteers, including fellow Tri-County Orthopedics experts and their families including Drs. Lombardi, Shearin, Wang and Ginsberg, who helped provide meals, shoes, socks, winter clothing and other essentials to more than 120 individuals.
"Over the years, this event has become about so much more than providing foot care and shoes," said Dr. Goldberger. "It's about treating people with dignity, showing compassion and recognizing the humanity we all share. Even the smallest gestures can make a meaningful difference in someone's day, and I'm grateful to everyone who helps make this event possible."
Dr. Goldberger has also made the event a family tradition, involving his children in volunteer efforts and emphasizing the importance of compassion and community service. His youngest daughter has helped organize the event for several years, reinforcing his commitment to teaching younger generations about dignity and giving back. This year, with a longtime student volunteer having moved on to college, organizers are seeking another young person to help coordinate jacket collection efforts and oversee coat distribution, continuing the event's tradition of engaging younger generations in community service.
Dr. Goldberger has served as director of the Foot & Ankle Center at Tri-County Orthopedics since 1998. He specializes in comprehensive foot and ankle care and completed his surgical foot and ankle fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
For additional information about Dr. Goldberger or to request an appointment online at Tri-County Orthopedics, please call 973-538-2334.