Shoe drive fundraiser planned at Latrobe hospital, Excela Square at Latrobe

The Latrobe Area Hospital Aid Society had to switch gears like many nonprofit organizations after months of interruptions to fundraising during the coronavirus pandemic.

President Jan Mills said volunteers are hoping to cash in on unwanted shoes as people clear out closets and go back to the workplace after months of social distancing.

“With everyone being inside for a year and a half, you pretty much know what shoes you like and what shoes you don’t like,” she said.

The society is holding a shoe drive fundraiser starting Monday through Aug. 13 at Excela Health Latrobe Hospital and Excela Square at Latrobe. Large collection boxes are placed in the main lobby at each location.

The society will earn money based on the total weight of new and gently used shoes donated. The shoes will be sent to Funds2Orgs which then distributes them to small entrepreneurs in developing nations, helping them with economic opportunities, according to the organization’s website.

“We still need to remember the communities beyond us,” Mills said.

Shoes donated can be a variety of types including dance, athletic, sandals and slippers. They will not accept cleats, roller blades or ice skates. Volunteers are hoping to have at least 2,500 pairs donated. That will help the group raise about $1,000, but Mills said she doesn’t want to stop there.

The society has about 140 members and holds fundraisers to support Latrobe Hospital. It has donated $1.6 million to the hospital since 1991, Mills said. Recently, they’ve purchased blood pressure monitors and donated items to the hospital’s behavioral health unit.