The charitable efforts of a local Las Vegas sorority are set to make a significant impact, both locally and abroad, with a shoe drive aimed at collecting footwear to aid children and families in developing nations and funding college scholarships for high school students. The Pi Pi Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. is currently running an annual Shoe Drive Fundraiser, soliciting donations of shoes of various sizes and styles to support those in need, as per News 3 LV.
According to 8 News Now, the event is in collaboration with Funds2Orgs, which will redistribute the collected shoes through its network. Funds2Orgs works with micro-entrepreneurs in 24 different developing countries to strengthen their economic situations. Kenya Evans-Fields, president of the Pi Pi Zeta Chapter, explained the dual benefit of the shoe drive, stating, "By doing so, we raise funds for our young scholars and assist families in developing nations who need and benefit from economic growth. It’s a win-win for everyone."
The fundraiser doesn't simply gather shoes for others— it also helps provide educational opportunities for Las Vegas youths. The sorority chapters' aim is to use the proceeds obtained from the shoe donations, which are valued by weight, to undergird their annual scholarship fund. The scholarships are intended to assist local students in their pursuit of higher education, abiding by the organization's core principles of scholarship and service. As News 3 LV reported, the sorority, founded in 1920 and known for its community-conscious initiatives, has set a goal to collect 2,500 pairs of shoes by the time the drive concludes on October 31.
Members of the community are encouraged to participate by donating their new, or gently used or worn shoes at various locations across Las Vegas. Donations can be made at the Cowan Academic Center on specific dates, at the Healthy Foundations Center from Monday to Friday, Fade Em’All Barbershop from Tuesday through Saturday, or Ty’s Place from Monday to Friday during defined hours. For those who seek to contribute but cannot do so in person, appointments for drop-offs at the Cowan Academic Center can be arranged.
