ROGERS CITY — The Rogers City PTO is conducting a shoe drive fundraiser now through March 21 to raise funds for Rogers City Elementary events and classrooms.

The PTO 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 all K-5 students at RCES.

Anyone can help by donating gently worn, used, and new shoes at these drop-off points: Rogers City Elementary School, Rogers City High School office, Woodland Confectionery, Cook’s Nook, State Farm Rogers City, Northern Eye in Alpena, and Alpena Power in Alpena.

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 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,” said PTO volunteer Mandy Polaski. “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 own students here at RCES, 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 Rogers City PTO, the shoes will be given a second chance and make a difference in people’s lives around the world.