Jacob’s Place Homeless Mission is asking White County residents to clean out their closets and donate shoes during an August–September fundraiser supporting children and families experiencing homelessness.
The organization will collect gently worn, used and new shoes throughout August and September. Funds raised will support the families currently staying at Jacob’s Place and help advance future housing and expansion projects.
“This shoe drive will get us that much closer to our goal of another expansion,” Executive Director Kevin Boyce said.
HOW THE SHOE DRIVE WORKS
Jacob’s Place is partnering with Funds2Orgs, an organization that supports shoe drive fundraisers across the country.
Funds2Orgs will collect the donated shoes and issue a check to Jacob’s Place based on the total weight of the shoes collected.
Money earned through the campaign will help Jacob’s Place provide food, shelter and support services to children and families while preparing for future housing needs.
Residents can donate shoes of all sizes and styles, including:
Children’s shoes
Athletic shoes
Casual shoes
Dress shoes
Boots
Sandals
Work shoes
Donated shoes should be new or gently worn, clean, dry and paired together.
SHOES WILL RECEIVE A SECOND CHANCE
After the fundraiser, donated shoes will be redistributed through the Funds2Orgs network of microenterprise partners.
Funds2Orgs works with entrepreneurs in developing countries where jobs and economic opportunities may be limited. Those entrepreneurs can sell the shoes through small businesses to earn income for food, clothing, housing and education.
Organizers say the campaign keeps usable shoes out of landfills while helping families in White County and entrepreneurs in other parts of the world.
“We are excited about our shoe drive,” Jacob’s Place Community Outreach Coordinator Emily Gairhan Boyd said. “We know that most people have extra shoes in their closets they would like to donate to us.”
Boyd said every donation will help Jacob’s Place raise money for food, shelter and opportunities for participating families to begin again.
“We have the chance to help families in developing nations who need economic opportunities,” Boyd said. “It’s a win-win for everyone.”
LOCAL NEED EXCEEDS AVAILABLE HOUSING
Jacob’s Place provides temporary housing for homeless families with children in White County.
The mission works step by step with families as they navigate homelessness and pursue long-term stability. Services include shelter, food, water, safety, educational assistance, career support, budgeting classes, counseling and other resources.
The organization doubled its capacity through an expansion completed in 2021. Boyce said the local demand for family housing has now surpassed the mission’s ability to accommodate every family seeking assistance.
“We expanded and doubled our capacity in 2021,” Boyce said. “However, the local need has caught up and surpassed our capabilities to house every family that comes to our door.”
Jacob’s Place says its mission is not simply to provide temporary shelter but to help families permanently end the cycle of homelessness.
The organization provides financial, spiritual, emotional and employment counseling while families receive shelter. Jacob’s Place is also a partner agency of the United Way of White County.
WHERE TO DONATE SHOES
Shoe donation boxes are available at:
Jacob’s Place Homeless Mission
Searcy Police Department
Searcy fire stations
Businesses, churches, schools, civic organizations and community groups can also volunteer to host their own collection boxes.
Jacob’s Place is located at 2104 West Beebe Capps Expressway in Searcy. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Organizations interested in hosting a collection box or requesting additional information can contact Jacob’s Place at 501-380-8283 or office@jacobsplace.org.
Additional information about the mission is available at JacobsPlace.org.
Leave a Reply