The Lacey United Methodist Church Shoe Drive is officially over. Lori Osborn, who headed the project, is expecting Funds2orgs to pick up the shoes at the beginning of next week. Everyone really pulled through as we crushed the goal of 100 bags with a final count of 137 bags. Kudos should go to all of the drop-off locations, which included the LUMC Office, The Joy Of Angels Thrift Shoppe, Lacey Recreation, Retro Fitness, Jersey Charm Coffee, OTA Car Care, Gladiator Gym and Sheryl Altieri (chiropractor).
A last minute push began when it was announced that we needed 180 more pairs. That amount was collected and then some! Those who assisted with the banding, bagging and collection of shoes were all appreciated. It was a lot of work, but hopefully worth it in the end as the developing nations operating within the poverty level receives this footwear.
It has been reported that 600 million shoes end up in landfills across the United States annually and the majority of these shoes can still be worn. These shoes will help micro-enterprises form within nations such as Haiti, Colombia and Tanzania. Some developing countries, such as Africa, do not allow apparel to be given away due to the effect this would have on their local markets and the job market. On the last day of bagging, Pastor Jonathan walked by Ms. Osborn and asked if she was willing to do this again. Lori explained that she would, "but maybe in a year."
