Dozens of young men who are in the La Reforma prison in San Rafael de Alajuela don’t have shoes.

After witnessing how the men often go around barefoot, the Ministry of Justice has started a donation campaign to collect footwear for the men who are aged 18 – 24. The ministry says at least 70 of the prison‘s young adult section’s 151 inmates have nothing but the government- issued sandals to wear.

“It’s hard to know that you depend on people you do not know; I’ve always been in state institutions. I don’t have any visitors, but I’m used to it. For me, it’s normal. Here we play soccer barefoot and need shoes because those that have sneakers don’t lend them to us. It’s ugly, but it’s our reality,” said a 20-year-old man named Silver, to CRHoy.com.

Most of these imprisoned young people have been abandoned by their families, and no longer receive any visitors. They are in need of men’s sneakers and/or other comfortable shoes, in good condition, sized 39 – 42.

The Ministry of Justice said donations can be made by contacting them via e-mail at <[email protected]> or by phone at 2439-2610 or 2438-0743.

The ministry said they can also receive donations of men’s clothing in good condition.