13-Year-Old Smithtown Resident Launches Shoe Drive At Town Hall

SMITHTOWN, NY — Smithtown Town Hall is stepping forward for a meaningful cause.

Now through March 9, Town Hall will serve as an official collection site for new and gently used shoes, part of a community initiative organized by 13-year-old resident Danica Colapinto.

Residents are encouraged to clean out their closets and donate footwear that can make a difference in someone’s life. Donations may be dropped off during regular business hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Smithtown Town Hall, 99 East Main St.

In addition to the Town Hall collection, Danica is also gathering gently worn and new dance shoes at Sara Jean Dance Company, located at 975 W. Jericho Turnpike, Suite 14.

Danica reached out directly to the supervisor’s office with her proposal, delivered collection boxes to Town Hall, and even designed her own promotional flyer for the effort.

The collected shoes will be delivered on March 15 in recognition of National Shoe the World Day. Donations will benefit Soles4Souls and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, organizations dedicated to providing footwear, mentorship, and support to individuals and families in need.

Across the globe, hundreds of millions of people lack reliable footwear. In many regions, something as simple as a pair of shoes can determine whether a child can attend school, walk safely to class, or participate fully in daily life. Access to proper footwear supports health, education and opportunity.

Smithtown Supervisor Edward R. Wehrheim said he was proud to support the initiative.

“Danica — my granddaughter — very professionally reached out to my office because she was looking for a meaningful way to give back and make a difference in her community,” Wehrheim said. “As her grandfather, watching her take the initiative to serve others was a deeply moving and unforgettable moment — one that filled me with immense pride and hope. She is not only an exemplary student and competitive dancer, but a young leader who is actively seeking ways to serve others and lead by example.”

Residents are invited to participate by donating clean, gently used, or new shoes of any kind at Town Hall, and dance shoes at Sara Jean Dance Company. A simple donation can help give someone else a fresh step forward.

“I was happy to support her effort — as I would support any young resident who came forward with a similar idea to help our community," Wehrheim said. "How could I say no?”

For additional information, residents may contact Smithtown Town Hall during regular business hours.