Shoe drive to benefit postvention services for suicide loss survivors

DJ’s Alliance is holding a shoe drive fundraiser throughout the month of June with the support of several businesses serving as drop-off locations. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to supporting suicide loss survivors in Delaware.

Gently used shoes of all kinds and sizes are accepted and will be repurposed to support micro-enterprises in impoverished parts of the world through the Funds2Orgs, according to Alexa Cruz-Hackett, co-chair of the DJ’s Alliance youth. 

“Donating your shoes can help people from all over the world both physically and mentally, starting with suicide loss survivors here in Delaware and continuing to those who will benefit from the shoes themselves. Plus, it’s helping the environment by keeping more shoes out of landfills,” she said.

Drop-off points to date include Tre Sorelle Dolce in Camden, Gracie Jiu Jitsu in Smyrna and Companion Animal Veterinary Associates in Middletown.

“DJ’s Alliance is still a newer, volunteer-run organization, and we rely on the support of our community to thrive and to help share our mission. I think it’s incredible that our youth came up with this idea, and we want to support them as much as possible. Funds raised through their shoe drive fundraiser will support our peer support programming statewide, which includes support for youth. It will also directly benefit the youth council as they get started and begin building their own, youth-based community of survivors,” said Jennifer Antonik, DJ’s Alliance founder and executive director.

To refer a suicide loss survivor in Delaware to DJ’s Alliance or to learn more, email info.djsalliance@gmail.com or go to DJsAlliance.com.

To connect immediately with a caring and trained crisis counselor, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7 for free, confidential support.