LACEY – A church fundraiser recently kicked off that is a “shoe-in” to make people happy.
The Lacey United Methodist Church Fundraising Team has partnered with the funds2orgs group to help raise funds for the church, as well as help others.
In an effort to help those in developing nations start micro-enterprises to create sustainable incomes for their families, the LUMC has been collecting gently used or new pairs of shoes since May. All shoes donated must be in good condition, clean and still wearable.
All shoes should be dry, with their soles attached and no holes anywhere on the shoe. This footwear will be given a second life for those in need.
There are several drop-off locations which include the church office, The Joy Of Angels Thrift Shoppe (which is on church property), Retro Fitness (410 S. Main St. in Forked River), Lacey Recreation (818 West Lacey Rd. in Forked River), Jersey Charm Coffee (415 Route 9, Unit 2B, in Lanoka Harbor), OTA Car Care (730 Route 9 in Lanoka Harbor) and Gladiator Gym (120 N. Main St. in Forked River).
Funds2orgs is designed to help people from these nations, which include Haiti, Colombia and Tanzania, escape poverty. The shoes aren’t given away because that would only decimate their local market for shoes and clothing. Some developing countries, such as Africa, do not permit apparel to be handed out for free. Haiti has been reported by the World Bank to be the most impoverished country in the Western Hemisphere.
Shoes will be collected until July 20. For further information about the program, or to sign up as a drop-off location, contact the LUMC Office at 609- 693-5222.
