Give Your Kicks (and Clothes): Goodwill Shoe Drive is Friday

June 11, 2015

Runners tend to replace their shoes more frequently than average folks. With that in mind, Bellin Run organizers are encouraging runners and walkers to consider donating those gently and not-so-gently-used kicks.

Organizations like Goodwill — a sponsor of the 2015 Bellin Run — benefit greatly from the donation of running shoes and other items.

Runners and walkers are encouraged to donate shoes that are otherwise just collecting dust to the Goodwill Shoe Drive, taking place from 3-8 p.m. Friday, June 12 during the Bellin Run Health & Fitness Expo at Astor Park.

Goodwill will be on hand to collect your used (or new) athletic, casual or dress shoes, along with apparel.

Race organizers see it as an opportunity to help fill a community need, said Linda Maxwell, assistant race director for the Bellin Run.

“Maybe you’ve just bought new running shoes, or you’ve got a few pairs just sitting in the closet,” she said. “Why not consider donating your old ones to a charity organization like Goodwill? Donating gently used running shoes is an awesome feel-good gesture that will go a long way toward aiding less-fortunate individuals.”