Shoe Donation Drive To Fund Tree Replanting In Morris County Parks

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — The Morris Park Alliance has launched a community-wide fundraiser titled Shoes to Saplings. This initiative invites residents to donate gently worn, used, or new shoes to support the Tree Treasury within the Morris County park system.

The collection period runs from March 22 through May 22. The organization will receive funds based on the total weight of the footwear collected through a partnership with the group Funds2Orgs.

These contributions will assist in replacing trees lost to the Emerald Ash Borer and the Beech Tree Nematode.

The funds raised will help the Alliance supplement the Park Commission budget. According to the organization, 66 percent of that budget is not supported by taxes.

"We are excited about our shoe drive," said Marlene Caprio, board president. "We know that most people have extra shoes in their closets that they would like to donate. By doing so, we raise money for the Morris Park Alliance, and we have the chance to help families in developing nations who need economic opportunities. It's a win-win for everyone.”

The collection also keeps shoes out of landfills, giving them a second life, while supporting the environment.

The donated items will be redistributed through the Funds2Orgs network of micro-enterprise partners. This program assists individuals in developing countries in creating and growing small businesses where economic opportunities are often limited.

Residents can drop off donations at several locations, including the Morris County Cultural Center, the William G. Mennen Sports Arena, and the Haggerty Education Center at Frelinghuysen Arboretum. Collections are also accepted at the Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center.

Donations will be accepted at the Fosterfields Living Historical Farm beginning on April 1.

The Alliance indicated that more collection locations will be announced in the near future. Supporters are asked not to include skates at the Mennen Sports Arena location. The initiative continues through the end of May to maximize the impact on the local tree population.