DETROIT, MI -- A Detroit organization that helps people in need has found a positive way to make use of illegally dumped tires in the city.

Cass Community Social Services (CCSS) is the manufacturer of Detroit Treads, sandals selling for $25 a pair (plus shipping) that are made out of tire treads.

Those interested in buying the sandals can do so by calling Sue Pethoud at (313) 883-2277 ext. 203.

As of Wednesday afternoon, more than 300 orders had been placed over the phone.

The sandals are also expected to be available for purchase online starting July 15.

Since 2007, CCSS has used more than 35,000 illegally dumped tires in Detroit to make mud mats and the Detroit Treads sandals, said the Rev. Faith Fowler, the organization's executive director.

"We're quite happy," Fowler said of the products. "We're helping to clean up the city, we're employing people and it's a quality product."

The products have helped create 80 part-time jobs at CCSS' green industries program for those in need including young people, veterans and homeless people off all ages.

The operation started with just 12 jobs in 2007 for the mud mat production.

Fowler said the organization picks up about 300 tires at a time to make the door mats and sandals and has "absolutely no idea" how many illegally dumped tired could be in Detroit's 143 square miles.

"A lot!" Fowler exclaimed. "That's all I know."

Organizers hope to create at least 20 more jobs - paying about $9 an hour - to help in Detroit Treads production.

The customer response to the mud mats has been phenomenal, Fowler said.

A Google search of the "mud mats" shows Cass Community Services' product ranked No. 10 among the most popular manufacturers.

"Now we're sending those all over the country, and it's just wild. Every single week we have four or five mats going to another state."

Fowler believes the response to Detroit Treads will be "even greater" due to the impact of social media websites like Twitter and Facebook at a recent giveaway event during the Detroit fireworks event downtown this month.

"It's been crazy, crazy, crazy," Fowler said. "People are lining up and calling to get them before we can even make them."