Cape Odyssey of the Mind shoe drive runs through March 26

In an effort to raise funds for upcoming tournaments and travel expenses, Cape Henlopen School District’s Odyssey of the Mind program is conducting a shoe drive fundraiser through Thursday, March 26.

Funds earned will be 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 footwear.

Anyone can help by donating gently worn, used and new shoes at the following locations: Shields Elementary School, Love Creek Elementary School, Rehoboth Elementary School and Millman’s Appliances at 28841 Lewes-Georgetown Highway.

All donated shoes will be redistributed throughout the Funds2Orgs network, which works with micro-entrepreneurs, helping them create, maintain and grow small businesses in developing countries where economic opportunity and jobs are limited. Proceeds from sales of the shoes are used to feed, clothe and house their families. One budding entrepreneur in Haiti even earned enough to send to her son to law school.

“Odyssey of the Mind is a creative problem-solving competition where students are required to solve problems and perform a solution without assistance from adults,” said Cheryl Baldwin, OM district coordinator. “We are excited about our shoe drive. 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 Odyssey of the Mind expenses, and we have the chance to help families in developing nations who need economic opportunities. It's a win-win for everyone.”

Odyssey of the Mind student participant Levi Stevenson, who competed in the world tournament last May, said, “It was really fun competing with countries from all around the world. We were able to trade team pins and clothing with other kids from different countries. We also got to stay with our teammates in college dorms.”

This year’s world competition will be held at Iowa State University in May. Funds raised will help with travel and lodging expenses associated with competing. Gently worn, used and new shoes donated to the Cape District Shoe Drive for Odyssey of the Mind will make a difference in people’s lives around the world.

Monetary donations will also be accepted. Checks payable to CHSD with “Odyssey of the Mind” in the memo line can be mailed to: Shields Elementary School, Attn: Cheryl Baldwin, 910 Shields Ave., Lewes, DE 19958.

For more information, contact Julie Stevenson, Odyssey of the Mind fundraising parent, at 302-388-4137 or julieste@gmail.com.