SIDNEY — Cinderella is proof that a new pair of shoes can change your life.
The Shelby County Animal Rescue Foundation (SCARF) says that 2,500 pairs of gently used shoes will change animal’s lives here and people’s lives in third-world countries around the globe.
With two weeks left in its collection period, SCARF’s Stepping into the Future shoe drive has reached 47 percent of its goal to amass those 2,500 pairs of shoes. SCARF opened the campaign in March to raise funds to support construction of a new animal shelter here.
To date, 1,175 pairs of shoes have been donated. That leaves 1,325 pairs to be collected by Mother’s Day, May 14.
SCARF will earn funds based on the number of pairs of shoes collected. Funds2Orgs, based in Orlando, Florida, will purchase all of the donated footwear and then distribute the shoes to its microenterprise partners in Central America and Africa. Those individual entrepreneurs will sell the shoes in their home countries and use the profits to feed, clothe and house their families.
Gently worn, used or new shoes with no holes or tears and good soles can be dropped off at Shoe Sensation, 2350 Michigan St., the Senior Center, 304 S. West Ave., and Ron and Nita’s, 134 S. Main St.
All types and sizes of footwear for all ages and for use in all seasons will be accepted, as long the shoes are in good shape to be worn.
Dress shoes, high heels, flats, sandals, flip flops, oxfords, wing tips, sneakers, children’s shoes, baby shoes, Mary Janes, hiking boots, snow boots, work boots, Army boots, steel-toed shoes, bedroom slippers, loafers, moccasins, boat shoes, high tops, bowling shoes, golf shoes, deck shoes, running shoes, walking shoes, wedges, slingbacks, pumps, platforms and more — even tap shoes — will be purchased by Funds2Orgs in support of SCARF’s fundraising for the animal shelter.
People who donate shoes at Shoe Sensation can get a 20 percent discount on a new pair of shoes if they use a coupon available at www.helpshelbycountyanimals.com.
Numerous schools and civic groups have joined in the shoe drive: Sidney, Anna, Jackson Center, Fairlawn and Houston schools and Scissors to Sheep 4-H Club have all collected footware for SCARF. Others are welcome to participate before the May 14 deadline.
The campaign to raise funds for the Bob Sargeant and Family Shelby County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center is at 86 percent of its $2.4 million goal. SCARF hopes to reach that goal yet this year.
