Central Arizona College’s PTK Chapter Launches Shoe Drive Fundraiser to Raise Money for Scholarship Fund
Submitted by: Sandy Rath. PTK Lead Advisor
Central Arizona College’s Alpha Theta Delta chapter of Phi Theta Kappa is hosting a shoe drive fundraiser from October 7 through November 27, 2024, to support students who cannot afford the Phi Theta Kappa membership fee.
The chapter will raise funds based on the total weight of gently worn, used, and new shoes collected from Funds2Orgs. Proceeds will help CAC students cover the cost of PTK membership, allowing them to access valuable member benefits, including transfer scholarships to institutions across the United States.
Donations of gently worn, used, and new shoes can be dropped off at Central Arizona College’s Signal Peak Campus (8470 N. Overfield Rd., Coolidge, AZ 85128, T201), Superstition Mountain Campus (805 S. Idaho Rd., Apache Junction, AZ 85119, F building lobby), San Tan Campus (3736 E. Bella Vista Rd., San Tan Valley, AZ 85143, D building lobby), and Maricopa Campus (17945 N. Regent Dr., Maricopa, AZ 85138, B building lobby).
All donated shoes will be redistributed throughout the Funds2Orgs network of micro-enterprise (small business) partners. Funds2Orgs works with micro-entrepreneurs in helping them create, maintain and grow small businesses in developing countries where economic opportunity and jobs are limited. Proceeds from the sales of the shoes collected in shoe drive fundraisers 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.
“We are excited about our shoe drive,” said Dr. Sandy Rath, Phi Theta Kappa Lead Advisor. ” We know that many people have extra shoes in their closets they could donate. By contributing, you’re not only helping high-achieving students—those with a GPA of 3.5 or higher—who cannot afford the membership fee that makes them eligible for transfer scholarships of $2,500 or more, but you’re also supporting families in developing nations by providing them with economic opportunities. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
CAC student Tiffany McClellan knows full well the impact of being a member of Phi Theta Kappa, “Through PTK I found a supportive community that believed in me even when I didn’t. My advisors and fellow members encouraged me to apply for the All-Arizona Scholarship, a step I never thought I’d take. Their unwavering support helped me secure the scholarship, enabling me to continue my education at Arizona State University (ASU), where I am now pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Information Technology.”
By donating gently worn, used and new shoes to Central Arizona College’s PTK chapter, the shoes will be given a second chance and make a difference in people’s lives here in Pinal County and around the world.
