Arlington Heights Park District collects food, footwear

The Arlington Heights Park District has announced the launch of a new communitywide effort taking steps to end hunger for families locally and to put shoes on the feet of people around the world.

The footwear component of the campaign is the brainchild of the district's employee-driven EnviroGroup and is just one way this group of dedicated staff aims to fulfill its mission.

Sheila Cruz, administrative assistant for the Parks and Planning Department and spokeswoman for EnviroGroup, said, "The EnviroGroup's mission is to help set a high standard of leadership and competency in the promotion and incorporation of sound environmental practices and lifestyles.

"We wanted to partner with an agency that not only contributes to providing shoes to people who may never have owned a pair of shoes, but we especially liked the idea of repurposing gently worn adult and children shoes, boots, sandals, and slippers, which means they won't end up in landfills.

"And since we've been partnering with Lavelle Law to collect food for a few years, too, we thought why not make it a 'food and footwear' drive? And, so here we are."

The Food for the Sole campaign will run from Monday, Oct. 3, to Dec. 3 via on-site collection bins located at Olympic Indoor Swim Center, Forest View Racquet and Fitness Club, the Senior Center, the Administration Center, and the Camelot, Pioneer, Recreation and Frontier Community Centers.

The effort benefits the Share Your Soles - Children Caring|Children Sharing organization and strengthens the district's involvement with the Arlington Heights Food Drive, sponsored by Palatine-based Lavelle Law Charities.

Food donations will benefit the Wheeling Township, Palatine Township and Elk Grove Township food pantries.

"We are particularly in need of donations of gently worn or new shoes, and cleats are acceptable, but it's important that any used shoes are in good condition to respect the dignity of those receiving our donations.

"So we want to encourage the public to please be respectful with their donations, and to understand that the goal is to provide good, clean footwear to those in need. For example, tennis shoes should include laces and not have holes."

The EnviroGroup team will personally deliver all footwear donations collected to the Pullman Industrial Center, 900 E. 103rd St. in Chicago. Those who wish to make a cash or check donation to support Share your Soles should visit www.shareyoursoles.org.

Park district staff at the various collection locations will be encouraging donations from patrons and residents in their neighborhoods while internally competing against each other.

Park district officials are optimistic that a little bit of friendly competition between the facilities will not only raise awareness about the campaign, but will generate donations and create a sense of team spirit.

Learn more online at www.ahpd.org.