Girl Scout Service Unit 194, all of the troops on the hill, has been working on a community fundraising effort to collect at least 7,500 pairs of gently used or new shoes by the end of August. The deadline was extended from June.

“We have had people call to donate after seeing the first article,” said organizer Maria Shafer.

To date, the girls have collected approximately 3,575 pairs.  All of the shoes will go to developing nations to help people begin to build small businesses.

Anything that goes on your foot counts for this drive.  Sneakers, slip-ons, high heels, designer boots, winter boots, cleats, ice skates or roller skates, flip flops, and slippers.

Shoes may be donated to any Girl Scout in the area, or contact Maria Shafer at mshafer002@nycap.rr.com or 872-2675 to either drop them off or make arrangements for a pick-up. 

There are also drop-off locations at both the Berne and Westerlo libraries, both the Berne and East Berne post offices, the Knox Town Hall, and both the Knox and Berne transfer stations.

“Please,” organizers urge, “look through your closets, under your beds, in your attics or basements for shoes that your family no longer wears!”