A Sparrow Michigan Athletic Club Caregiver has collected shoes, shoes and more shoes – more than 700 pairs for community organizations, and the drive ends today, Jan. 20.
Mark Sanford figures he has received more than 3,000 pairs of shoes since he began seeking donations in 2009. Sanford, Athletics Coordinator at the MAC, has placed a barrel in the lobby of the club, asking for donations of “gently used” shoes.
Members and the public have responded better than anyone could have imagined.
They have donated mostly athletic shoes, but also sandals, flip-flops and other footwear. The shoes
will be donated to the Lansing Teen Challenge, the Boys & Girls Club of Lansing, the City Outreach shelter, and Lansing Parks and Recreation Department.
“I’ve been the representative at the MAC that ultimately donates our lost and found items that are 30 days or older to local homeless shelters and other area organizations around town,” Sanford said. “By doing so, I’ve developed a relationship with the good folks that operate these places. Knowing that one of their biggest needs is footwear, I came up with the idea of a shoe drive back in 2009.”
Sanford collected 179 pairs in that first year. The numbers have risen exponentially annually, to 447 in 2015. This year’s drive started around Thanksgiving.
Donations are still welcome by coming to the MAC at 2900 Hannah Boulevard, East Lansing. The shoe barrel is located outside of the Courtside Grille restaurant.
The shoe drive reflects the compassion that is a core value at Sparrow and our continuing mission to improve the health of the people in our communities.
Choose Wisely. Choose Sparrow.
SOURCE: PRESS RELEASE
