Faith-based group still collecting unwanted shoes, has new drop-off location

A local faith-based organization is still collecting unwanted shoes to help fund its community service programs and now it has two drop-off locations.

H.O.P.E. Inc., short for Helping Our People Economically, is accepting new and gently used shoes from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays at its office, 2137 N. Battin, and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays at a new drop-off location Tonia’s Shoe Corner, 548 S. Oliver. Both locations are in Wichita.

The shoes will be shipped to Florida before making their way to underdeveloped countries. H.O.P.E. Inc. will receive $3,000 for every 7,500 pairs collected, said Latisa Micheaux, H.O.P.E.’s community events coordinator; the money will go to fund the organization’s services, including an inmate re-entry program and affordable housing for low-income residents.

For more information about the shoe drive or H.O.P.E. Inc.’s work, call 316-618-8652.

The organization collected about 4,000 pairs of shoes in its first drive, which ended in late July, Micheaux said.

This story was originally published September 13, 2014 at 8:25 AM with the headline "Faith-based group still collecting unwanted shoes, has new drop-off location."