I have been assisting the Fundraising Team at the Lacey United Methodist Church, whom have partnered with funds2orgs, with their shoe drive. The end game is to help raise funds for the church, as well as help others in developing nations start micro-enterprises that will create sustainable incomes for their families. Having been collecting shoes for the past month, LUMC is looking for footwear that is gently used or new. All donations have to be in good condition, clean and still wearable. They should also be dry, with their soles still attached and no holes anywhere on the shoe. These donations will be given a second life for those in need.
Drop-off locations for this Lacey, New Jersey, fundraiser includes the church office and The Joy of Angels Thrift Shoppe (both located at 203 West Lacey Rd. in Forked River), Lacey Recreation (818 West Lacey Rd. in Forked River), Retro Fitness (410 South Main St., in Forked River), Jersey Charm Coffee (415 Route 9, Unit 2B, in Lanoka Harbor), OTA Car Care (730 Route 9 in Lanoka Harbor) and Gladiator Gym (120 North Main St. in Forked River).
Funds2orgs is designed to help people from these nations, which include Haiti, Colombia and Tanzania, escape poverty. The shoes aren't given away because that would only decimate their local market for shoes and clothing. Some developing countries, such as Africa, do not permit apparel to be handed out for free. Haiti has been reported by the World Bank to be the most impoverished country in the Western Hemisphere.
I have included most of this information in a press release that should be hitting all local media in a few days. The last day to donate shoes is currently designated to be July 20th. Any further information about this fundraiser should be directed to the Lacey United Methodist Church directly or in the comments below.