PIONEERS!
We are conducting a shoe drive fundraiser from November 13 through January 19 to raise funds for WINSTON, our new Comfort Dog. Portage West 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 Winston’s training, grooming, and general health upkeep. Anyone can help by donating gently worn, used and new shoes at Portage West MS, 7145 Moorsbridge Rd. Portage, MI 49024 by placing your donation in the drop box located in the “cube” next to the main office. There will also be drop boxes available at sporting events, concerts, and other after school opportunities.
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 Sidney Bailey IV, Assistant Principal of Portage West. "We know that most people have extra shoes in their closets they would like to donate. By doing so, we raise money for Winston, who will be with us in beginning in early 2024, 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 fundraiser for Winston, the shoes will be given a second chance and make a difference in people’s lives around the world.
About WINSTON, the WMS Comfort Dog:
Portage West Middle School is dedicated to having a community where our students are safe and can learn. We believe in supporting our students academically, socially, emotionally, and any other ways we can while they are with us. We are in the process of welcoming a new team member that will positively contribute to these efforts: Winston, our new comfort dog! Winston has been receiving training since August 2023 and will be joining us in early 2024. His training, grooming, and general health upkeep is costly and we are raising funds to support Winston! We look forward to welcoming him to officially welcoming him to the West family very soon!