Elida students host shoe drive to help impoverished and raise funds for prom

ELIDA — Elida High School sophomore students are preparing for their first prom one year in advance. The student officers, president Marah Bell, vice president Ava Overholt, secretary Emma Stauffer and treasurer Ava Frueh sponsored a drive collecting shoes for those in need.

“As the class of 2026,” Frueh said. “We are collecting gently worn and used shoes that people can donate. (The donation) is to help fundraise for people in impoverished areas who need them — as a community we are hoping to help raise money for our prom and help other communities come together.”

According to a press release, anyone can help by donating gently worn, used or new shoes to the Elida offices which are located at the high school office, 401 E. North St., Elida. Shoes can be donated through Feb. 1, 2024.

The shoes collected will not be given locally but to a larger organization. Funds2Org collects donated shoes and through micro-entrepreneuers it works with, resells them. Proceeds from the sales of the shoes collected are used to feed, clothe and house families.

The organization will later send money to Elida High School students to help fund their first prom as juniors next year.

“I think it is important for kids to have leadership, to know what to do and how to help people,” Bell said. “I also think it is nice to help those in need.”

According to the press release, the amount of funding the students receive is determined by the weight of the total shoes collected. The school has a goal of collecting 100 bags with a total of 25 shoes per bag.

Funds2Org receives donations and begins to distribute the shoes around the world. According to the organization’s website, over $11 million has been raised with over 18,000 partners.

Want to donate? Here’s how

Where: 401 E. North St., Elida (Elida High School offices)

When: Drop off your new or gently used shoes by Feb. 1.

Reach Precious Grundy at 567-242-0351.