TOMS on Campus is a club at Southeast Missouri State University that is dedicated to spreading the message of compassion established by TOMS.

TOMS is a company founded by Blake Mycoskie that makes shoes, eyewear and clothing to sell as well as to donate to the less fortunate in developing countries.

Mycoskie's book "Start Something That Matters" describes his journey to Argentina in 2006. During the trip he discovered that many people there, and in other poor countries, didn't have shoes. Mycoskie came back to the United States and decided to start a business that would help others who were unable to afford shoes. He established the One for One program.

The One for One program allows TOMS to send a pair of shoes to a child in need in a developing country for every pair bought.

"TOMS is cool because they started out as one for one," Jessica Buettner, event coordinator for TOMS on Campus at Southeast, said. "They didn't start making money and then decide to give. They decided from the very beginning to do something that matters."

The organization's first event of the semester was TOMS Tuesday on Jan. 31. The club urged those with a pair of TOMS to wear them and attend an informational meeting. Turnout has been low for meetings so far. Students are encouraged to attend the monthly meeting to stay informed about event planning and topics concerning different ways to reach out to the needy.

TOMS on Campus will also be teaming up with another campus organization, Free the Slaves, to bring the documentary "Give a Damn" to Southeast. It focuses on three guys that traveled through America, Europe and Africa living on a $1.25 a day, showing what it's like to live on almost a bare-bones income. The event is planned for the end of April.

"If we have the event here, hopefully two of the guys from the documentary will be able to visit and be a part of a question-and-answer session," Jenny Martinez, president of TOMS on Campus at Southeast, said.

TOMS on Campus is organizing events throughout the semester. April 10 is "A Day Without Shoes." This annual, nationwide event is promoted by TOMS, and this year it falls on the same day as the monthly TOMS Tuesday.

During "A Day Without Shoes," participants go barefoot for an entire day to experience what it's like to not be able to afford shoes.

This year's activities include yoga, hula hooping, a scavenger hunt and slacklining. There will also be a group walk to the river where several live bands will be performing. TOMS on Campus is still finalizing the band list and is in discussion with Chartwells Educational Dining Services about providing food.

TOMS on Campus is also planning a shoe drive for this semester. Last year it collected nearly 100 pairs.

"We want to make the shoe drive an annual spring shoe drive at the end of the semester for people who are moving out," Martinez said.

The club is also considering holding a "Do Something That Matters" party and organizing a flash mob.

TOMS on Campus meetings are held at 8 p.m. the last Tuesday of every month in the University Center Terrace Room.