Church youths collect shoes to raise funds

VW independent/submitted information

First United Methodist Church is conducting a shoe drive fundraiser from February 17 to May 1 to raise funds for national and international mission trips. First UM Church youth group will earn funds based on the total weight of the pairs of gently worn, used, and new shoes collected, with Funds2Orgs issuing a check for the collected shoes. Those dollars will then benefit youth mission trips. Anyone can help by donating gently worn, used, and new shoes at 113 W. Central Ave. in Van Wert.

All donated shoes will then be redistributed throughout the Funds2Orgs network of micro-enterprise partners. Funds2Orgs works with micro-entrepreneurs in helping them create, maintain, and grow small businesses in developing countries where economic opportunity and jobs are limited. 

Proceeds from the sales of the shoes collected in shoe drive fundraisers are used to feed, clothe, and house their families. One budding entrepreneur in Haiti even earned enough to send her son to law school.

“We are excited about our shoe drive,” said Middle School Youth Director Teresa Shaffer. “We know that most people have extra shoes in their closets they would like to donate to us. 

“By doing so, we raise money for our mission trips and we have the chance to help families in developing nations who need economic opportunities,” she added. “It’s a win-win for everyone.”

By donating gently worn, used, and new shoes to First United Methodist youths, the shoes will be given a second chance and make a difference in people’s lives around the world.

Youths in grades 6-12 can join the youth group, which meets Sunday evenings until May. The First UM youngsters will be going to Indianapolis, Indiana, June 7-12 with Youthworks on a mission trip, and are also in the process of planning an international trip for 2021.