The local shoe drive for Shoes for Souls has been extended by two weeks to November 14. As of October 12, the drive was short 6,000 of the 7,500 pairs needed.
Now the drive is only 2,500 pair short. Organizer Jane Cardwell said with a laugh that the shoes are stacked so high she and other volunteers need a ladder to add to the pile.
Shoes for Souls sends shoes around the world to those in need, currently focusing on Haiti.
The shoe drive is a joint effort between the Stuart United Methodist Church youth group and the Patrick County Shooting Education Team. Upon meeting the 7,500-pair goal, the two groups will receive $3,000.
The funds will be split, with $1,500 going to the Feed the Funnel program, a volunteer effort in which area youth pack 40,000 meals to distribute to area food banks, the Disaster Relief Food Ministry and the Patrick County Food Bank.
The remainder will be used to defray entry fees for county students competing in shooting competitions and events.
Jane Cardwell said any kind of shoe will do: from boots and flip-flops to high heels and children’s athletics. The only caveat is the shoes can’t have holes. For pick-up, call (276) 694-7735 or (276) 692-7506.
Drop-off points are Lowes Foods, Blue Ridge Furniture, Spring Drug, Stuart United Methodist Church, and the Old Town & Country building in Patrick Springs.
-Angela H. Hill
