Running Fit Collects Shoes for Children in Kenya

stores throughout Michigan are teaming up with the nonprofit, Children Waiting Everywhere to collect shoes for children in Kenya.

The collection drive, which began on Oct. 28, will run through Nov. 14, when Ann Arbor resident and humanitarian Naomi Corera will deliver the shoes to village children in impoverished areas of the country.

Corera, a former teacher and resident of Sri Lanka, has been traveling to Kenya and Uganda every year for the past 10 years on mission trips and hopes to collect 10,000 pairs of shoes.

Trevor Step, manager of Running Fit on Jackson Road near Dexter, said the store works with charities year round.

"We're always accepting shoes for donation, as long as they are wearable," he said.

To help with the Kenya collection drive, Running Fit will provide a discount coupon on apparel to any customer who makes a donation prior to Nov. 14.

"Participation at all of our stores is very high," Step said. "We usually get thousands of shoes each year."

Corera said she is thankful for any donation.

"Shoes provide covering and protect the feet from contacting hook worm and other diseases by walking in unsanitary conditions. For the children, shoes also allow them to attend school as a school uniform and shoes are required by the school and government for attendance," she said.

Shoes can be dropped off at the following locations:

• 5700 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor
• 123 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor
• 17783-C Haggerty Rd., Northville
• 43280 11 Mile Rd., Novi
• 6623 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield

For more information about Children Waiting Everywhere, visit their website.