Pop into Finland is conducting a shoe drive to raise funds for a local college student to go on a mission trip to Finland to spread the gospel of Acts 2:38.
Pop into Finland is the name of the mission trip and the fundraising efforts of Amber Ward. Ward moved to Hoke County after living in Moore County for 17 years. She currently works in Moore County.
Pop into Finland will earn funds based on the total weight of the pairs of gently worn, used and new shoes collected, as Funds2Orgs will issue a check for the collected shoes. Those dollars will benefit the mission.
The shoe drive ends on Feb. 11, 2023. Anyone can help by donating gently worn, used and new shoes at the following drop-off locations:
*New Life Tabernacle UPC at 220 N Pine Street in Aberdeen
*FORTE Fitness at 262 Pinehurst Ave. in Southern Pines
*Any Time Fitness at 110 Ivey Lane in Pinehurst
*Pollywogs Play Pad at 155 Hall Ave. in Southern Pines
*Empowered Nutrition at 760 NW Broad Street in Southern Pines
*Seven Lakes Kennels at 347 MacDougall Dr. in West End
*Pinehurst Medical Clinic: Neese Clinic at 102 Gossman Drive in Southern Pines
*Drive-by shoe drive at New Life Tabernacle in Aberdeen on Jan. 14.
All donated shoes will then be redistributed throughout the Funds2Orgs network of micro-enterprise (small business) partners.
Funds2Orgs works with micro-entrepreneurs in helping them create, maintain, and grow small businesses in developing countries where economic opportunity and jobs are limited.
Proceeds collected from the shoe drive fundraisers are used to feed, clothe, and house their families. One budding entrepreneur in Haiti even earned enough to send her son to law school.
“We are excited about our shoe drive,” said Ward. “We know that most people have extra shoes in their closets they would like to donate to us. By doing so, we raise money for the mission, and we have the chance to help families in developing nations who need economic opportunities. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
By donating gently worn, used and new shoes to Pop into Finland, the shoes will be given a second chance and make a difference in people’s lives worldwide.
“I, Amber Ward, want to personally thank all drop off locations, the Community Thrift store in Aberdeen NC on HWY 5, and The Saint John Paul II Catholic school in Southern Pines for their generous donations!” said Ward.
Photo: Amber Ward.
Courtesy photo/Contributed.
