The Port Allegany United Methodist Church is conducting a shoe drive fundraiser now through February 2, 2024, to raise funds for the church.  Port Allegany UMC will earn funds based on the total weight of the pairs of gently worn, used and new shoes collected, as Funds2Orgs will issue a check for the collected shoes.  Those dollars will benefit the church. 

Anyone can help by donating gently worn, used and new shoes in the bins in the back parking lot of the church located at 307 North Main Street.  All donated shoes will then be redistributed throughout the Funds2Orgs network of micro-enterprise (small business) partners. 

Funds2Orgs works with micro-entrepreneurs in helping them create, maintain and grow small businesses in developing countries where economic opportunity and jobs are limited.  Proceeds from the sales of the shoes collected in shoe drive fundraisers are used to feed, clothe and house their families.  One budding entrepreneur in Haiti even earned enough to send her son to law school.  

“We are excited about our shoe drive,” said Michael “Buck”  Barnard, organizer of the fundraiser..  “We know that most people have extra shoes in their closets they would like to donate.  By doing so, we raise money for the church and we have the chance to help families in developing nations who need economic opportunities.  It’s a win-win for everyone.”

By donating gently worn, used and new shoes to the Port Allegany UMC, the shoes will be given a second chance and make a difference in people’s lives around the world.