November 3, 2006

Local Eagle Scout candidate leads shoe-drive for the homeless

Shiraz Sorabji, a Boy Scout in Campbell’s Troop 330, recently came up with an interesting Eagle Scout Leadership Service project idea. He and his troop are collecting shoes for the homeless just in time for the cold winter months ahead.

During a field trip for Shiraz’ American Experience high school class, he traveled to the Tenderloin District in San Francisco. On this trip he came across a homeless woman whom had bags tied around her feet for shoes. Shiraz decided then that he would like to help the homeless by getting them new shoes.

Shiraz plans on collecting new shoes (or donations of money to purchase new shoes) from the community. These shoes will then be distributed to the homeless via the Community Closet at Glide Memorial Church in San Francisco. Glide Memorial Church serves the homeless and downtrodden of San Francisco.

How you can help?

• Donate money for shoe purchases: 100 percent of your tax-deductible donations will be used to purchase shoes for the homeless. Please make your check out to BSA Troop 330 adding "Shoe Drive" to the memo part of the check and mail it to the address noted below.

• Donate NEW Shoes: Your tax-deductible donations of new shoes will be given to the homeless via the Glide Memorial clothes closet.

• Spread the word: Talk to your friends about this project and the plight of the homeless, make people aware of the conditions the homeless have to endure.

What kind of shoes and what sizes?

• Walking Shoes, Hiking Shoes, Work Shoes, Dress Shoes (any comfortable shoe with support)

• Women's Sizes 5-9, Men's Sizes 8-13

Why new shoes? The homeless already feel unwanted, by giving them your unwanted
(used) shoes you may add to their already low self esteem. Whereas if you give them
something new not only will you be boosting their self-esteem, you may make them feel
that someone cared enough to give them a new pair of shoes.

How will shoes help?

• Shoes will keep them warm and dry helping prevent hypothermia. Dress shoes may help a homeless person get a job and on their way out of homelessness.

• Shoes will protect their feet from everyday hazards like broken glass, sharp objects and provide support and comfort in their day to day life on the streets.

To support Troop 330 and Shiraz’ mission, mail a check payable to payable to Boy Scout Troop 330 and send it to the Shoe Drive, P.O. Box 932, Campbell, Ca 95009. To e-mail the troop: shoedrive@troop330.org check out the troop’s Web site at www.troop330.org.