Redlands Community College TRIO Student Support Services is taking matters into their own hands – or feet – to raise funds for scholarships. The program is taking donations of gently worn, used and new shoes and will receive funding from the Funds2Orgs based on the total weight of the shoes collected.
"We are excited about our shoe drive," said Amy Graham, TRIO Student Support Services director. "We know that most people have extra shoes in their closets, so we would appreciate if they would donate any unwanted shoes to us. By doing so, we raise money for scholarships for first-generation students, and we have the chance to help families in developing nations who need economic opportunities. It's a win-win for everyone.”
Student Support Services is a federally funded TRIO program that provides free tutoring, college survival course work, transfer assistance and vocational counseling. This fundraiser will help increase scholarship funding for students in the program. The public is encouraged to donate gently used or new shoes by December 14, and shoes can be dropped off in a donation box by the Admissions and Advising Office in the Ray Porter Building.
All donated shoes will be redistributed throughout the Funds2Orgs network of small business 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 to her son to law school.
For more information, please contact Student Support Services at 405.422.1434 or 405.422.1263 or email SSS@redlandscc.edu.