The Cornwell Avenue School Student Council in West Hempstead is making a meaningful impact both locally and globally through its ongoing shoe drive, which has already generated impressive results and enthusiastic student participation.
Running from March 2 through May 1, the initiative encourages students and families to donate gently worn or new shoes. To build excitement and engagement, students in grades 1-3 are participating in a friendly competition, with the winning grade earning an extra recess period.
The drive has quickly gained momentum, with students collecting 100 pairs of shoes in the early weeks alone. In an inspiring show of community collaboration, a school in North Babylon recently contributed an additional 10 bags of shoes. As a result, the total collection has reached an outstanding 350 pairs.
Funds raised from the drive — determined by the total weight of the donated shoes — will directly support future Cornwell events. Beyond benefiting the school community, the initiative also has a global impact. Through a partnership with Funds2Orgs, the collected shoes will be redistributed to support entrepreneurs in developing nations, helping them sustain small businesses. Additionally, the program promotes environmental responsibility by keeping usable footwear out of landfills. Students and families are encouraged to continue contributing by donating new or gently worn shoes. To assist volunteers, donors are asked to tie shoelaces together before dropping off items.
The Cornwell Avenue School community is proud of the Student Council’s leadership in organizing this initiative and grateful for the continued support that has made the drive such a success.
Photo caption: 1-3: Cornwell Avenue School’s Student Council in West Hempstead are running a shoe drive from March 2 through May 1.
Photo courtesy of the West Hempstead Union Free School District
