LAHAS Fundraiser A ‘Shoe-In’ Thanks to Community Support

On the heels of a highly successful shoe drive in 2021, Latrobe Area Hospital Aid Society concluded another well-supported collection that will benefit the local community as well as micro-enterprises on a global level.

The effort, carried out with Funds2orgs, was held from June through September 2023 using collection boxes stationed at The Square at Latrobe and Independence Latrobe Hospital. The boxes at each location were filled constantly with new and gently worn shoes donated by community members. In addition to the two locations, shoe-donations were also dropped off at many LAHAS members’ homes and then transported to Latrobe Hospital. 

A total of 4,125 pairs were loaded on a truck to begin the journey to small developing nations in need.  For their efforts, LAHAS made a profit of $2,052.50 which will be distributed to Independence Latrobe Hospital and the broader community to support the many endeavors of the auxiliary.  

Among those who made this effort possible were the Avonmore Presbyterian Church and the Transfiguration of our Lord Church in Mt. Pleasant, which created its own “sole drive” to collect for LAHAS. The Gingerbread Running Company, with stores in Greensburg, Indiana, and Shadyside donated thousands of new and gently worn shoes to put the Shoe Drive over the top.  Geographically, shoes marched in from New Kensington, Murrysville, Greensburg, Pittsburgh, Skippack, Erie, Acme, Richmond, VA, and other regions.  

A big thanks to all who donated, bundled, processed and loaded the shoes. The moral of the story is that individuals, families and businesses can make a difference when they put their heart and “sole(s)” into supporting others! 

Individuals with any shoes that did not make the LAHAS Shoe Drive may donate them to the Union Mission in Latrobe.