East Tennessee Christian Home and Academy is taking a step toward helping themselves and helping others by hosting a used-shoe collection drive through mid-May.
Director of Development Ron Marvel explained ETCHA is hosting the collection through Dove Ministries, which will take all of the collected shoes, refurbish them and distribute them in various Third World countries. ETCHA in turn is paid 20 cents per pound for the shoes collected. That money is used to help the students that are residents at the academy for adolescent girls.
“All the money raised goes directly to the girls,” Marvel said. “It helps pay the girls their allowance and it goes into the recreation fund. It allows us to do things in the family-unit setting we like to promote.”
This is the sixth year that ETCHA has participated in the shoe drive. He said in the past the academy has collected more than 6,000 pounds of shoes. Last year, the drive brought in around 4,000 pounds of donated footwear.
Marvel said the fundraiser was a “win/win” for all involved.
“It is a service that helps the community,” he said. “It helps the academy and it is a wonderful outreach program. It is a great service project for the girls. Part of their study here is to focus on helping others.”
Shoes are collected by local churches and community groups. Also this year Marvel said ETCHA had been approved to work with the Elizabethton City Schools and have students in that system collect shoes to contribute to the drive. Individuals can also drop off shoes at the ETCHA academy.
“These shoes go to countries like Haiti and Africa where people have nothing at all,” he said. “Any shoes that are donated can be used.”
Shoes can be in any condition to be donated. The only requirement is that no spiked high heel shoes be included. Shoes should be tied or fastened together with a rubber band. For more information, contact Marvel at 542-4423.