As Student Council Advisor of the Asa C Adams School in Orono, I support the students in a variety of service projects. This winter the students became aware that an Asa Adams School family was in need of a wheelchair lift vehicle. A parent was diagnosed with ALS and was using a motorized wheelchair. Motorized wheelchairs weigh 500+ lbs. Without the appropriately equipped vehicle, the family was limited in their ability to go places together. The Student Council officers decided to raise money to help this family.

After researching fundraising activities for elementary students and thinking about the pros and cons to each method.  We chose https://funds2orgs.com/  because it is accredited by the Better Business Bureau, students weren't selling anything, it was more likely that every student could participate, there was a high return directly to the cause rather than overhead, and the shoes were not just put in the landfill.  If we collect 100 bags of ~25 shoes each (gently used or new, any footwear except skates), we will earn 40 cents a pound or at least $800.00.

The students have challenged their families and the community. WABI-TV5 broadcast a brief human interest news story on the project. The Town of Orono is having an interdepartmental competition for collecting shoes and the University Credit Union is collecting at three of their branches.  The Orono-Old Town Kiwanis has donated all the shoes that were donated for their annual Auction and the Orono Thrift Shop donated their winter stock of shoes. Even with all this community support, we are falling short of our goal.

Sadly, the parent with ALS passed away unexpectedly last month. The disease progressed much more rapidly than expected. This has understandably disheartened my elementary school-aged students. After thoughtful reflection, they have decided to continue with the #CARINGSOLESCHALLENGE because the family has extraordinary medical expenses and additional unexpected expenditures.

The shoe drive will go until the end of May.

Any quantity of shoes would be greatly appreciated. The footwear need to be in pairs, have no rips or holes, and generally be wearable. (Any footwear except skates.)

Thank you.