FROM STAFF REPORTS

HELENA – The Hillsboro School is conducting a shoe drive fundraiser from now through November to raise funds for their new school building in Helena. The Hillsboro School 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.

The funds will benefit the construction of a permanent building and the purchase of school materials. Anyone can help by donating gently worn, used and new shoes by bringing them to Grace Christian Church in Helena.

All donated shoes will then be redistributed throughout the Funds2Orgs network of micro-enterprise 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 from the sales of the shoes collected in shoe drive fundraisers are used to feed, clothe and house their families. One budding entrepreneur in Haiti even earned enough to send to her son to law school.

“We are excited about our shoe drive,” Director of Development Dorothy Ewing said. “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 our new building, new materials for our students, 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 The Hillsboro School, the shoes will be given a second chance and make a difference in people’s lives around the world.

The Hillsboro School is a Montessori School located near Interstate 459 and South Shades Crest Road in Helena. The school offers an inviting environment where students from 2 years through 12th grade learn based on what they are capable of, rather than being limited by their age. Hillsboro students are given the opportunity to experience and apply “real world” knowledge and skills.

For more information, contact Ewing at 864-7330 or dewing@thehillsboroschool.org.