Loyal FCCLA hosting shoe drive

A local student group is providing a good excuse for people to clean out their closets and somewhere to go with the shoes they no longer wear.

The Loyal High School Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) is hosting a shoe drive fundraiser.

Students are requesting that community members donate their gently-used and new shoes, whether they be flip flops, sandals, tennis shoes, boots, or some other type of shoe. All types and sizes, from kids to adult-size shoes, are being accepted. Shoes can be dropped off at the high school office, the Loyal Public Library, or Hair We Are. Donations will be collected through April 30.

The FCCLA is working with the Funds2Orgs, a Better Business Bureau-accredited fundraising company. After the shoes are picked up, they will be sent to developing countries to create job opportunities. It’s estimated that 300 million people don’t own shoes. Shoe drive fundraisers help provide inventory to over 4,000 micro- entrepreneurs who sell the shoes to support their families.

The FCCLA will receive a rate of $0.40 per pound of shoes collected, or the rate could be higher depending on how many shoes they collect. Each bag holds 25 pairs of shoes. Their goal is to collect 100 bags, or roughly 2,500 pounds of shoes. Assuming each pair of shoes weighs roughly a pound, they would make $400 if they can reach their goal.

“This is our only fundraiser for the year. We use it for registration and for chapter expenses,” said Donna Odeen, Loyal FCCLA advisor.

For any questions, contact the school at 715-255-8511.