WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – A Wichita nonprofit is helping to provide shoes to people in need around the world.
HOPE, Inc. provides assistance to low-income families, the homeless, and others in need. The organization receives no state or federal funding and raises money through events such as shoe drives and donations. HOPE is an acronym that stands for “Helping Our People Economically.”
Hope explained that all of the shoes donated in this drive will be redistributed to small businesses through its for-profit social enterprise Funds2.Org and “used to develop business start-up opportunities for people living in poverty in disadvantaged areas.”
Hope said asking for shoes instead of money will make it easier for more people to donate.
“Shoes that are no longer worn, or shoes that friends, relatives or workplaces no longer wear, or shoes that are slightly worn or new, so the shoes get a chance at a second life,” says Jean Carter-Boniface, founder, president and CEO of HOPE, Inc. “We're not asking for money. We're asking for shoes.”
Hope said it aims to collect at least 700 pairs of shoes in the donation drive that began last month.
“In the United States alone, more than 600 million pairs of shoes are thrown away each year,” the nonprofit says. “The materials used in shoes are made from chemicals that pose health hazards when disposed of in landfills. By donating your gently worn new or used shoes, your shoes have a second chance to make a difference.”
Those interested in donating or learning more about HOPE, Inc. can visit their headquarters at 2137 N. Battin in Wichita or call 316-618-8652. HOPE, Inc. is open Monday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
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