Donate Shoes for Haitian Relief Wednesday

VALDOSTA -- Valdosta State University's Student Action Council (SAC) will collect shoes to benefit victims of the devastating earthquake in Haiti during a Soles4Souls shoe drive from 11-2 p.m. Wednesday, April 14, in the Student Union and Odum Library.

Bring gently worn shoes for men, women and children in all sizes to a drop off location or get involved with the SAC and Volunteer Services by joining the effort as a volunteer.

Established in the aftermath of the tsunami that hit Southeast Asia in 2004, Soles4Souls has been instrumental in providing footwear for millions affected by disaster. The non-profit organization accepts both monetary and shoe donations from footwear companies, retailers, churches, other organizations and individuals.

Amanda Fletcher, event chair, said she decided to get involved because the concept seemed so easy.

"I've got a closet full of shoes that I don't wear anymore and I realized they could really help someone in need," said the VSU senior, who is majoring in communication arts. "I know I'm not the only one at VSU with a few pairs of shoes to donate and together we can help Soles4Souls 'change the world one pair at a time.'"

Call Volunteer Services at 229-259-2514 for more information about the event or to volunteer for additional collection sites. Those who cannot participate in the VSU shoe drive can call 229-444-4840 for local Soles4Souls leader Brenda Pone, who has set up various collection sites in Valdosta, such as Country Cobbler.

*VSU's Student Action Council fosters an active culture at VSU by promoting and facilitating opportunities to build partnerships between VSU and community organizations through service. The group encourages a sense of civic responsibility among students through critical engagement, and offers valuable experience in the area of volunteerism.

Other SAC projects:

Trash to Treasurers
Blazer Steam
Adopt a Grandparent
Adopt A Highway
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Toys for Tots
Tootsie Roll Drive
Drives for relief areas (Haiti, etc - Hearts for Haiti)
Taste of Valdosta
Quota Club Gift Wrap at the Valdosta Mall
Field Day at J. L. Newburn
Keep Lowndes/Valdosta Beautiful
Valdosta, Hahira, and Lowndes County
Lamp projects
The Haven projects
Habitat for Humanity projects
Assistance to the Battered Women’s Shelter
Assistance to the Pregnancy Support Center