DeKalb County Health Department Kicks off “Shoes Share Program”

With the help of the entire community, the “Shoes Share” program will provide gently worn gym shoes to children, youth and young adults who are in need a pair of gym shoes for the new school year. The program was launched in 2014 and has provided over 2,000 pairs of gently used athletic shoes to students who did not have for physical education class.

We all know that kids quickly grow out of shoes. Why not collect, reuse, and distribute these gym shoes to the community? The concept is environmentally friendly with the shoes filling a community need as well as reducing what is being sent to the landfill. Please note that shoes being donated should be clean and considered gently used or new. All children, youth and adult sizes are welcomed. If you want to go a step further, replace those torn or frayed laces prior to drop off.

We are excited to be working with our partners who have stepped up to help ensure the program’s success. DeKalb Iron and Metal Company (DIMCO) will be providing collections containers, Laundry Lounge has volunteered to wash and sanitize all of the shoes, and the Kiwanis Family will be assisting in sorting, organizing and distributing shoes. The logistics have been completed; the next step is participation by the community.

Please help our “Shoes to Share!” Program. Drop off your shoes through June 30 to one of the community designated drop off locations:

• DeKalb County Health Department 2550 N. Annie Glidden Road,
• Haish Gym 303 South 9 th Street,
• Kish YMCA 2500 N. Bethany Road in DeKalb
• Sandwich Public Library 925 South Main Street in Sandwich
• Genoa Fitness Center 333 East First Street.

Please contact Michelle Gibson, Solid Waste Specialist, for further information (815-748- 2408).