The Foundation for Better Schools in Upshur County has launched a tennis shoe drive to ensure local students can fully participate in school activities. The campaign aims to address a big need in local public schools.
“Due to not having the proper footwear, students are having to sit out PE class, and younger students are missing out on recess,” explained Kelley Tierney, Foundation vice president and local State Farm Insurance agent.
The initiative came after Communities in Schools coordinators approached the Foundation about this pressing need.
The drive has already collected more than 70 pairs of shoes. New tennis shoes can be donated at several locations throughout the county, including:
- Any Upshur County Public School
- State Farm – Kelley Tierney’s office
- Shoe Sensation
- West Virginia Wesleyan College library
- St. Joseph’s Hospital lobby
Beyond collecting donated shoes, the Foundation has committed $3,000 to purchase additional footwear when needed. Through a partnership with Shoe Sensation, CIS coordinators can obtain shoes in specific sizes when donated inventory doesn’t meet a student’s needs.
“When a need is identified, CIS coordinators can check current inventory for acceptable shoes,” Tierney said. “If there are no sneakers available from the collected inventory, they can contact Shoe Sensation, relay the size needed, and the Foundation will be billed.”
Those wishing to support the initiative with monetary donations can make checks payable to The Foundation for Better Schools, PO Box 35, Buckhannon, WV 26201, with “Shoe Drive” in the memo line.
This latest initiative continues the Foundation’s 25-year tradition of addressing critical needs in Upshur County’s education system. The organization, established in 1997, operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit and serves as a bridge between community resources and educational needs.
Read more about the Foundation by clicking here.
