St. James High School Senior BETA is conducting a shoe drive fundraiser during October to raise funds for travel expenses to State and National Leadership Conference. BETA 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 BETA. Anyone can help by donating gently worn, used and new shoes at St. James High School main entrance.

All donated shoes will then be redistributed throughout the Funds2Orgs network of micro-enterprise and 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 her son to law school.

"We are excited about our shoe drive," said Wendy Berkelman, BETA sponsor. "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 BETA, 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 St. James BETA, the shoes will be given a second chance and make a difference in people’s lives around the world.

About BETA

As the largest, independent, educational youth organization in America, National Beta emphasizes our four pillars by providing opportunities and experiences to impact our members, their schools, and communities across the world. We emphasize Academic Achievement, Character, Leadership and Service.