TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Alabama is partnering with Soles4Souls, a Nashville-based charity, to collect shoes for relief efforts to help the people of Haiti.
Soles4Souls collects shoes from footwear companies, retailers, churches, nonprofit ministries, civic groups, schools and individuals. Soles4Souls has committed more than 1 million pairs of shoes to aid in the recovery of Haiti.
“We have a goal of collecting 700 pairs of shoes,” said Sara Hartley, UA assistant director of parent programs who is assisting with the UA shoe drive. “So far, we have collected about 450 pairs of shoes to send, but we still need to keep working.”
Donations can be dropped off at 230 Ferguson Center until Friday, Feb. 12, at 5 p.m. Closed-toe shoes are preferred but any shoes will be collected.
Hartley discovered the idea while researching ways to help the people of Haiti.
“I knew that some students may not be able to give a monetary donation but would still like to help,” said Hartley. “Giving a pair of shoes is a perfect way to help. Many Haitians have never owned a pair of shoes and now shoes are essential in keeping bacteria and infection from spreading.”
For additional information, contact Hartley at 205/348-8404 or sahartley1@sa.ua.edu.
Contact
Haley Barr or Linda Hill, media relations, lhill@ur.ua.edu, 205/348-8325
Source
Sara Hartley, assistant director of parent programs, 205/348-8404, sahartley1@sa.ua.edu