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Date: 8/23/2023
EAST LONGMEADOW — Check your closets and shoe racks this weekend. You may not wear those boots or sneakers anymore but drop them off at 4RUN3 this weekend and they may help someone in need.
4RUN3, 78 Center Sq., has partnered with Shaping Soles, a nonprofit which organizes shoe drives to benefit people in need. Shaping Soles was launched December 2022 by Chris Goossens. According to the organization’s website, it has facilitated the donation of more than 1,000 pairs of shoes to people in Western Massachusetts and Connecticut by partnering with 4RUN3, Fleet Feet Longmeadow, InChic Shoenique and Spartan Auto Care Center.
The nonprofit has worked with shelters and organizations, including Safe Futures, Dress for Success, Springfield Rescue Mission, YWCA of Western Massachusetts, MiraVista, Friendly House, Square One, Alianza, The Cornerstone, and Christina’s House.
4RUN3 Operations Manager Tricia Peterson said partnering with Shaping Soles was a “no brainer. We see people from the community looking to get rid of shoes every week.” As a business that models itself as a community hub for all aspects of running, she said the partnership “made sense.”
The main goal of the Back-to-School Shoe Drive at 4RUN3 is to provide shoes for children, teens and adults who are going back to school or college this fall, but Peterson emphasized that 4RUN3 is taking donated shoes of any size, any style and any condition. “All shoes are welcome — cleats, dress shoes, casual.” Even shoes that have seen better days can benefit those in need, Peterson said.
The drive will run Aug. 26, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Aug. 27 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Those who donate during the drive will receive a coupon to 4RUN3, with certain restrictions. It can also be used at the tent sale the business is hosting that weekend in front of the shop.
A box was placed in the store at the end of July and donations have already been dropped off. The box will be a permanent fixture at 4RUN3, so people not able to donate over the weekend of the shoe drive can donate at their convenience.