Eagle Scout candidate launching shoe drive fundraiser

Meaghan, a member of BSA Troop 2191 and an Eagle Scout candidate, is conducting a shoe drive through Sept. 30 to raise funds for her Eagle Project, which is to refurbish a large outbuilding at New Hudson United Methodist Church. She will earn funds based on the total weight of the pairs of gently worn, used, and new shoes that she collects. Funds2Orgs will issue a check for the shoes she collects, which will benefit her project.

“I am really excited about my shoe drive and being able to help people underdeveloped countries while funding my Eagle Project,” said Meaghan. “I know that most people have extra shoes in their closets, especially at this time of year, that they would like to donate to an organization that will reuse them.

“By donating your shoes, I will raise money for refurbishing the outbuilding at the church where our Troop holds its meetings, and I have the chance to help families in developing nations who need economic opportunities. It’s a service project in a service project and a win-win for everyone.”

All donated shoes will be redistributed throughout the Funds2Orgs network of micro-enterprise and 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.

Donated shoes will be accepted at several collection points in the area:

• New Hudson United Methodist Church, 56730 Grand River Ave., New Hudson will collect shoes from noon to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday.

• For Feets Sake Shoe Store, 440 N. Main St., Milford
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

• John Wheeker – State Farm Insurance, 56849 Grand River Ave. #6, New Hudson
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

• AAA Insurance – Skown Agency, 30767 Milford Road, New Hudson
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

• L.A. Insurance, 31158 Beck Road, Novi
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday

• Cook Automotive Repair, 28060 Pontiac Trail, South Lyon
7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday

• Huron Valley State Bank branches at 130 S. Milford Road in Milford and 2920 E. Highland Road in Highland Township will start collecting shoes Aug. 16. Hours of collection are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.

You can contact Meaghan at megseagleproject@gmail.com or (947) 208-0669 with questions, to arrange for large pick-ups, or to make a direct monetary donation to her Eagle Project. All funds collected in excess of what will be used on the project will be donated to New Hudson United Methodist Church.