MAS Kids Want Your Old Shoes!

As part of a month-long effort to raise funds for the school, help economic growth in developing nations and  protect the environment, Mamaroneck Avenue Elementary School is conducting a shoe collection drive during the month of October.  The shoe drive is open to all who wish to participate; donations will be accepted at the Mamaroneck Avenue School, located at 850 Mamaroneck Avenue.

In the US alone, approximately 630 million pairs of shoes are thrown away per year. The materials used to manufacture a pair of shoes are created from chemical compounds, the kind that will create health hazards if left to disintegrate openly or in landfills. By donating old shoes, what would have gone into landfills will be given a second chance to make a difference. All donated shoes will be redistributed through microenterprise partners and used in developing nations for impoverished people to start, maintain and grow an enterprise to feed, clothe and house their families.

“We are very excited to be conducting this shoe drive in Mamaroneck, NY, " said Jeanne Spano VP of Fundraising  for  Mamaroneck Avenue School’s PTA. "This campaign will raise funds that directly benefit MAS PTA sponsored programs, and will also give our fifth grade students valuable leadership experience as they assist with the collection and bagging of the shoes. The additional advantages of diverting shoes from the waste stream and creating commerce and sustaining peoples’ lives make this a win-win for everyone.”

"Our goal is to collect 7,500 pairs of shoes and the only way we can do that is if everybody pitches in so I am calling on everyone in our community to gather up their unwanted shoes and bring them to one of our collection boxes," Spano added.

Shoe donations can be made at Mamaroneck Avenue School or arrangements can be made for pick-up. While gently worn shoes are preferred, shoes will be accepted in all conditions. Individuals, businesses and organizations that would like to participate in the shoe drive or host a collection box may contact Jeanne Spano by phone at 914-224-4846 or email jmspano@optonline.net.