Graystone Presbyterian Church is conducting a shoe drive fundraiser through June 30 to raise funds for Arts for All. Graystone Presbyterian 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 Arts for All. Anyone can help by donating gently worn, used and new shoes at Graystone Presbyterian Church.

All donated shoes will then be redistributed throughout the Funds2Orgs network of micro-enterprise (small business) partners globally. 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 her son to law school.

“We are excited about our shoe drive,” said Mary Overstreet, Graystone Pastor. “We know that most people have extra shoes in their closets they would like to donate to us. By doing so, we raise money for Arts for All to make accessible and inclusive theater and art experiences possible, and we have the chance to help families in developing nations who need economic opportunities. It also helps keep these shoes out of landfills. It’s a win-win for everyone.” By donating gently worn, used and new shoes to the Graystone Presbyterian, the shoes will be given a second chance and make a difference in people’s lives around the world.

Graystone Presbyterian Church is a 136-year-old congregation with a deep commitment to sharing the love of Christ through mission and community engagement. In a time of rising costs and tightening budgets, they remain dedicated to finding creative, sustainable ways to support both local and global outreach ministries without losing sight of their calling to serve others with compassion and generosity.

The shoe collection fundraiser is one example of that commitment in action. By giving new and gently used shoes a second life, this project allows them to partner with their neighbors across Knoxville in support of Arts for All, artsforalltn.com, an organization that expands access to the arts for people of all abilities. At the same time, the collected shoes help create microenterprise opportunities for families in developing countries, where resold footwear can provide income and economic stability.

This effort is also an act of faithful stewardship. Rather than allowing usable items to end up in landfills, they are helping reduce waste, care for God’s creation, and transform something simple into an opportunity for hope, dignity, and connection across communities around the world.

For more information on Graystone Presbyterian Church, please visit graystonepcusa.org.