Northwood Music Boosters launch shoe collection drive

        The Northwood Music Boosters are conducting a shoe drive to raise funds for the music department, which includes the band and choir.
        The drive runs through Oct. 31.
        The music boosters will earn funds based on the total weight of the shoes collected, as Funds2Orgs will purchase all of the donated footwear.
        Funds raised will benefit the music department, going toward a trip to Nashville and future purchases such as new uniforms and participation in contests for the music students.
        Anyone can help by donating gently worn, used or new shoes at the boxes located in the school. All donated shoes will then be redistributed throughout the Funds2Orgs network of microenterprise partners in developing nations. Funds2Orgs helps impoverished people start, maintain and grow businesses in countries such as Haiti, Honduras and other nations in Central America and Africa. Proceeds from the shoe sales are used to feed, clothe and house their families. One budding entrepreneur in Haiti earned enough to send to her son to law school.
        “We are excited about our shoe drive,” said Amy Stribrny, Boosters secretary. “We know that most people have extra shoes in their closets they would like donate to us and help those less fortunate become self-sufficient. It’s a win-win for everyone.”