Friends of the Desert Mountains asked the public Thursday to donate new or gently worn used shoes as part of a fundraiser benefiting the nonprofit’s desert conservation work and to help families in developing countries.
“We are so excited about our shoe drive,” Friends Executive Director Tammy Martin said in a statement. “We know that most people have extra shoes and boots in their closets they would like to donate to us. By doing so, we raise money for protecting the desert, we keep shoes out of landfills, and we have the chance to help families in developing nations who need economic opportunities. It’s a win-win for everyone, so start your spring cleaning now and donate those shoes to Friends.”
The fundraiser will be held until next month, and the public can donate any type of shoe from “sandals to snow boots” at various drop-off locations throughout the Coachella Valley.
The organization will earn funds based on the total weight of donated footwear, with Funds2Orgs issuing a check and redistributing the shoes to its network of micro-enterprise and small business partners. Officials said Funds2Orgs works with micro-entrepreneurs to support them in creating, maintaining, and growing small businesses in developing countries where economic opportunities are scarce.
Proceeds will go to supporting Friends’ daily operations, including free public hikes and youth education programs, and will feed, clothe and house families around the world.
The drop-off locations and hours of operations include:
— Friends’ office, 51-500 Highway 74 in Palm Desert. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday.
— Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce, 72559 CA-111. Hours are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays.
— Desert Hot Springs Community Center, 11-750 Cholla Drive. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday.
— First Tee, 74945 Sheryl Ave. in Palm Desert. Hours are from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays.
— Palm Desert Community Center, 43900 San Pablo Ave. Hours are from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
— REI Co-Op, 71800 CA-111 in Rancho Mirage. From 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays.
— Portola Community Center, 45-480 Portola Ave. Operations hours are 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. weekdays and closed on weekends.
— La Quinta Wellness Center, 78450 Avenida La Fonda. Hours of operations are 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday and 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends.