Montezuma church launches shoe drive

MONTEZUMA — Montezuma United Methodist Church is conducting a shoe drive from now through the end of April to raise funds for the church.

The church will earn money based on the total weight of the pairs of shoes collected. Funds2Orgs will issue a check for the collected shoes.

Anyone can help by donating gently worn, used and new shoes at 200 S. Fourth St. in Montezuma. Shoes can be dropped off Monday through Thursday between the hours of 9 a.m. — 3 p.m.

The church can also arrange for pickup of shoes if needed.

All donated shoes will then be redistributed throughout the Funds2Orgs network of small business partners. Funds2Orgs works with micro-entrepreneurs to help 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 Jen Bolibaugh, the churche’s secretary. “We know that most people have extra shoes in their closets they would like to donated to us. By doing so, we raised money for the church and we have the chance to help families in developing nations who need economic opportunities. It’s a win-win for everyone.”