The Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Chapter of SkillsUSA is conducting a shoe drive fundraiser to help with expenses for student leadership conferences that SkillsUSA members attend – and the drive gives students experience with community service.
Herkimer BOCES SkillsUSA will earn funds based on the total weight of the pairs of gently worn, used and new shoes collected because Funds2Orgs will issue a check for the collected shoes.
Anyone can help by donating gently worn, used and new shoes at the Herkimer BOCES William E. Busacker Complex at 352 Gros Blvd. in Herkimer. For questions or to arrange for a donation, call Herkimer BOCES SkillsUSA advisors Holly Fischer and Sarah Jacquays-Alberts at 315-867-2043.
"We are excited about our shoe drive," Fischer said. "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 students to attend leadership conferences, and we have the chance to help families in developing nations who need economic opportunities. It's a win-win for everyone.”
All donated shoes will then be redistributed throughout the Funds2Orgs network of micro-enterprise and 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 her son to law school. Donated shoes will be given a second chance and will make a difference in people’s lives around the world.
Students in Herkimer BOCES SkillsUSA participate in community service and various student leadership conferences and competitions – including at the regional, state and sometimes national level. SkillsUSA aims to “empower students to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members.”