HORTONVILLE, NY — Small Town Country 4-H Club is holding an athletic shoe drive fundraiser to raise money for club activities and projects. The club will earn funds based on the total quantity of gently worn, used, and new sneakers collected. GotSneakers, a social enterprise, will issue funds in compensation for the collected sneakers. Those funds will benefit Small Town Country 4-H club. Anyone can help by simply donating gently worn, used, and new sneakers.

GotSneakers has developed a unique fundraising program that asks communities to reach into their closets, not their pockets! The sneaker recycling program helps keeps sneakers out of landfills, which has harmful effects on our environment, and helps organizations like ours raise much needed funds. The program is truly a win – win! Learn more about GotSneakers by visiting their website at www.gotsneakers.com.

“We are excited about our sneaker drive fundraiser,” said Ryann McElroy, Club President.

“We know that most people have extra sneakers in their closets they would like to donate rather than throw away. By doing so, we raise money for our club and help the environment. It’s a win – win for everyone!”

If you would like to donate sneakers, drop off boxes are located at Garnet Health Catskills Grover Hermann Hospital Lobby, Sullivan County Public Health Building in Liberty, Callicoon Branch of Western Sullivan Public Library, Holy Cross Church Callicoon, and at Cornell Cooperative Extension office in Liberty. You can also contact us at smalltowncountry4h@gmail.com to arrange a pick up.

Small Town Country 4-H is a dynamic group of local youth ages 5-19 who are interested in the outdoors, nature, agriculture, the arts and in discovering all the benefits of their rural lifestyle. Club project work focuses on community service and healthy living. We meet every other week at the Presbyterian church in Hortonville.  Current club leaders are Jenny Hillriegel Phelps and Kara McElroy. This group is part of and overseen by the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County 4-H program.

Any Sullivan County youth ages 5-18 can enroll in 4-H for free, all year long. Learn more about this and other Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County programs by calling 845-292-6180, emailing sullivan@cornell.edu or visiting www.sullivancce.org.

Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County provides equal program and employment opportunities. The public can contact the office to request accommodations.