JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Jamestown Dollars for Scholars continue to approach their goal of 7,500 pairs of shoes.
DeAnn Ament, vice president and marketing chair for the Jamestown Dollars for Scholars Board, reports that after a few successful competitions, they’ve reached a total of 5,350 pairs of shoes.
Ament says the Jamestown High School Day of Service, Jamestown Middle School Primetime Room Competition, and generous support of the community and surrounding residents have really ramped up the drive.
“We are grateful to the high school students for counting and bagging 1,625 pairs of shoes during their day of service,” Ament stated. “Lincoln Elementary student council members bagged 600 pairs of shoes many which their school helped collect. The Jamestown Middle School Shoe Competition provided 352 pairs of shoes towards the goal of 7,500 pairs of shoes.”
According to Ament, around 600 million pairs of shoes end up in landfills. Shoes donated will be shipped to third world countries where micro-businesses will sell them. Money collected will then be used to provide scholarships to JHS Seniors.
Because the drive is just short of 7,500, Ament says they’ve extended into May to collect the remaining 2,150 pairs of shoes.
The following locations are accepting new or gently used shoes in all sizes:
Bank Forward, Dacotah Bank, I Will Fitness, James River Senior Center, Legacy Fitness, Pride of Dakota Store/AAUW Bookstore, Sanford Healthcare Accessories, St. James Basilica and Two Rivers Activity Center (TRAC).
If you want to learn more about Dollars for Scholars or have an event or location willing to serve as a Shoe Drive collection sight, please contact Shoe Drive co-chairs Elaine Hegland at 701-320-4615 or DeAnn Ament at 701-391-1386.
Information and photos submitted by DeAnn Ament.
