Did you know that in the United States, at least 200 million pairs of shoes and sneakers end up in landfills each year while more than 600 million people worldwide don’t own a pair of shoes? Additionally, shoes in landfills can take 30 to 40 years to decompose which contributes to harmful chemical emissions into the air.
The Northwest Early College High School Class of 2024 are helping to stomp out these pressing issues by partnering with GotSneakers, a sneaker recycling organization for a fundraiser that helps the environment and people in need. The class officers were eager to give back through their fundraising efforts and conducted research, made presentations and did all the work necessary to set the campaign in motion.
"As we contemplated ways to raise money for our students, it was important to the class officers that the class continue to practice our school's core values of community service and social responsibility," said Dr. Alisia Muir, NWECHS teacher and class sponsor. "The GotSneakers fundraiser is a great way to not only raise money but to be good citizens to those in need while helping our environment."
All reusable sneakers from the GotSneakers sneaker drive fundraiser program are recirculated to secondhand markets so people can access quality, pre-owned footwear at affordable prices. All heavily used and damaged footwear is recycled to reuse materials or to convert waste into new energy.
The NWECHS Class of 2024 is calling on the community to donate any used sneakers, any condition, to support this worthy cause. Sneakers can be dropped off at the Canutillo ISD Central Office, 7965 Artcraft Rd. or at any District campus in the front office drop-off box from now until April 1.
To date, GotSneakers has stopped 75 million pounds of CO2 from entering the atmosphere and has recycled and reused 2.5 million pairs of shoes. To learn more about the program, visit
gotsneakers.com.