Softball team collecting shoes for impoverished people

The Centralia College softball team is collecting new and gently used shoes through Oct. 15 to raise funds for travel expenses and equipment.

The softball team is collecting shoes for Funds2Orgs, a non-profit organization that helps impoverished people start, maintain and grow businesses in countries such as Haiti, Honduras and other nations in Central America and Africa.

Funds2Orgs will purchase the shoes collected by the softball team and redistribute them throughout the Funds2Orgs network of micro enterprise partners in developing nations.

"We are excited about our shoe drive," said Brittany Schaff, team member and drive organizer. "We know most people have extra shoes in their closets. They can donate them to us and help those less fortunate become self-sufficient. It's a win-win for everyone."

By donating shoes to the Centralia College softball team, the shoes will be given a second chance and make a difference in people's lives.

Gently worn and new shoes can be dropped off at the Centralia College gymnasium. Pickup of several bags of shoes can be arranged by contacting Coach Matt Bajo at (360) 824-0160 or Sandy Ingle at (360) 736-9391, ext. 345. All types and styles of footwear are accepted.