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The Afro American Historical and Genealogical Society – East Tennessee Chapter is conducting a shoe drive fundraiser during the months of March and April to raise funds for genealogical research and historic preservation.

AAHGS-East Tennessee will earn funds 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 shoes. Those dollars will benefit the current projects of AAHGS-EAST TN.

Anyone can help by donating gently worn, used and new shoes. Shoes will be collected at the Talley Ward Recreation Center, located at 324 South James Street on Saturday, March 28, between the hours of 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

A Facebook Page has also been set up at “AAHGS-EAST TN Funds2Org Fundraiser.” Another drop off will be scheduled in April.

All donated shoes will then 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 her son to law school.

“We are excited about our shoe drive,” said Shedenna Dockery, President of AAHGS- East TN. We ask that everyone to do their spring cleaning early and donate their gently used shoes to us. We further ask that churches, businesses, civic organizations and the like support our shoe drive. By doing so, we raise money for historic preservation, and we have the chance to help families in developing nations who need economic opportunities. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

By donating new or gently worn shoes to AAHGS, the shoes will be given a second chance and make a difference in people’s lives around the world.

The Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society of East Tennessee strives to promote the study and preservation of African American history and genealogical study in East Tennessee.

The organization wishes to preserve African-ancestral family history and genealogy by sharing and disseminating research techniques and information throughout the community. Their primary goal is to create a network of people with the same passion and assist each other in documenting family histories.

For more information, call 423-248-8916 or go to easttn@aahgs.org.