The LUMC Fundraising Team has partnered with the funds2orgs group to help raise funds for the Lacey United Methodist Church, as well as help others in developing nations start micro-enterprises that will create sustainable incomes for their families. Already underway, the Lacey United Methodist Church has been collecting gently used and new pairs of shoes since last month. All shoes donated must be in good condition, clean and still wearable. All shoes should be dry, with their soles attached and no holes anywhere on the shoe. The footwear will be given a second life for those in need.
Drop-off locations include the church office and The Joy Of Angels Thrift Shoppe (both located at 203 West Lacey Rd. in Forked River), Retro Fitness (410 S. Main St. in Forked River), Lacey Recreation (818 West Lacey Rd. in Forked River), Jersey Charm Coffee (415 Route 9, Unit 2B, in Lanoka Harbor), OTA Car Care (730 Route 9 in Lanoka Harbor) and Gladiator Gym (120 N. Main St. in Forked River).
Funds2orgs is designed to help people from these nations, which include Haiti, Colombia and Tanzania, escape poverty. The shoes aren't given away because that would only decimate their local market for shoes and clothing. Some developing countries, such as Africa, do not permit apparel to be handed out for free. Haiti has been reported by the World Bank to be the most impoverished country in the Western Hemisphere.
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Shoes will be collected until July 20th. For more information about the program, or to sign up as a drop-off location, contact the LUMC Office at (609) 693-5222.