The Unity Center ( ohiovalleyrecovery.org ) board of directors is conducting a shoe drive fund to raise funds for the Unity Center at 4850 Eoff Street, Benwood, WV. The Unity Center 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. Those dollars will benefit the Unity Center activities.
“Anyone can help by donating gently worn, used and new shoes at the Unity Center location on Eoff Street. Other locations closer to your neighborhood or business can be found on the Unity Center Facebook page and on our website ohiovalleyrecovery.org,” states fundraising chair, Susan Hagan.
All donated shoes will then be redistributed through the Funds2Orgs network of micro-enterprise (small business) partners. Funds2Ogs works with micro-entrepreneurs in helping them create, maintain and grow small businesses in developing countries where economic opportunity and jobs are limited. Proceeds from the sales of the shoes collected in the shoe drive fundraisers are used to feed, clothe and house their families. One budding entrepreneur in Haiti even earned enough to send her son to law school.
“We are excited about our shoe drive,” said Mary Hess, Ohio Valley Recovery Executive Director. “We know that most people have extra shoes in the closets they would like to donate to us. By doing so, we raise money for the Unity Center, and we have the chance to help families in developing nations who need economic opportunities. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
The Unity Center is envisioned as a safe place offering many paths to overcoming addictive behaviors for those who desire to achieve a healthy, productive lifestyle and providing support and education for them and their loved ones throughout the journey of recovery. The Unity Center seeks to meet the needs of the community struggling with the many forms of addiction in a warm, accepting environment.
“Twenty-three recovery meetings are held at the Center each week. The holiday activities offered at the Center for anyone at any meeting in the Valley are planned to offer opportunities for joy and family time. Your support of the shoe fundraiser helps us continue this good work,” says Laura Carter, board president. “Please check your closets for children’s shoes, work shoes, dress shoes, athletic shoes and sandals.”
