Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School is conducting a shoe drive fundraiser this month to raise funds for the National Technical Honor Society. The NTHS will earn funds based on the total weight of the pairs of gently worn, used and new shoes collected, as Funds2Orgs will issue a check for the collected shoes.

Anyone can help by donating gently worn, used and new shoes at Bethlehem Area Vo-Tech School, located at 3300 Chester Ave., Bethlehem.

All donated shoes will then be redistributed throughout the Funds2Orgs network of micro-enterprise small business partners. Funds2Orgs works with micro-entrepreneurs in helping them create, maintain and grow small businesses in developing countries where economic opportunities 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 to her son to law school.

“We are excited about our shoe drive,” said Angela Thom, NTHS adviser.

“We know that most people have extra shoes in their closets they would like to donate to us. By doing so, we raise money for the National Technical Honor Society, and we have the chance to help families in developing nations who need economic opportunities. It’s a win-win for everyone,” added Brienna Aszli, NTHS treasurer and BAVTS culinary student.

By donating gently worn, used and new shoes to Bethlehem Area Vo-Tech School, the shoes will be given a second chance and make a difference in people’s lives around the world.