Most worn-out shoes make it to the dumpster or the doghouse, but with Soles4Souls, those shoes can have a second chance.
Exploring Leadership for Freshmen is a part of the Tiger Tuesdays program, a branch of SGA for freshmen. ELF's annual philanthropy is Soles4Souls.
Soles4Souls is a charity based in Nashville, Tenn., that collects shoes to donate to people in more than 125 countries.
"We (ELF) have held a few different events to collect shoes and money," said Sarah Moseley, freshman in communication. "We have had restaurant nights, sold T-shirts and been to a basketball and baseball game. We usually have a station where people can donate shoes or money at the games."
It does not matter what condition the shoes are in because all shoes are melted down and remade.
Basically, donations become the material for new shoes, Moseley said.
She also said this is the first year ELF has collected money to go to the charity in addition to shoes because people are more willing to donate money.
"We collect money and shoes and then take them to a warehouse in Roanoke, Ala.," said Kimberly Jones, senior in political science and Spanish and this year's SGA director of ELF. "The money we donate goes to buy new shoes. One shoe costs $1, so basically $2 a pair."
Jones said last year ELF collected 6,000 shoes, and they hope to beat that record this year.
The last day of collecting shoes is March 10.
After that date, freshmen participating in ELF will assist in boxing the shoes and taking them to the warehouse in Roanoke.
Jones said in many countries children are not allowed to attend school without shoes.
Therefore, donations are not only helping children receive shoes, but are also helping children receive an education.
Bianca Seward, sophomore in journalism and assistant director of ELF said she helps freshmen with planning special events such as restaurant nights and game day events.
"I am impressed by the charity and just how many people they are able to reach through this," Seward said. "They really help the masses and are able to reach many different regions. Soles4Souls is helping millions of people get shoes and get back on their feet."
Cardboard boxes with the Soles4Souls logo are set up around campus, sorority chapter rooms and fraternity houses for donations.
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