LAFAYETTE, La. — The Affiliated Blind of Louisiana Training Center is a state-of-the-art facility that has instructed thousands of visually impaired, blind and Deaf-Blind individuals since their inception in 1983.
This year, they are partnering with Funds2Orgs, the nation's largest shoe drive fundraising company.
The initiative encourages members of the community to donate their gently used shoes. ABL is responsible for collecting, preparing, and bagging these donations.
Funds2Orgs will then purchase the shoes from ABL at a rate of 50 cents a pound and distribute them to those in need across various countries.
According to the organization, 300 million people globally do not own shoes.
This fundraiser does more than just provide footwear; it supports individuals in Lafayette, assists those globally, and positively impacts the environment.
"ABL is always looking for extra funding," says Chyvonne Blanchard, ABL State President. We provide services for people who are blind, visually impaired, and deaf-blind in Louisiana, so it's a win-win. You're helping ABL provide our services and helping people in other countries plus you're saving the environment, it's recycling."
Please ensure that the shoes are gently used, in good condition, and still wearable.
For more information on where and when to donate, see below.
For the next few days, you can drop off your shoes at these locations:
Thursday, April 3 – Touchet’s Bar from 5:00pm to 9:00pm
Friday, April 4 at Downtown Live from 5:00pm to 8:30pm
Saturday, April 5 at Hand Up Thrift from 9:00am to 5:00pm
Monday, April 7 at Holiday Inn North from 7:00am to 2:00pm
Thursday, April 10th Rhythms on the River at City Club from 5:30 pm to 8:30pm
If you can't make it to the events, you can always drop off at these locations:
Affiliated Blind of Louisiana
Orange Theory Fitness
Courtesy Lincoln Lafayette
Marcello’s Wine Market
Madalynn Cole Salon and Spa
Peter’s Nails
101.1 KBON Radio Station
The fundraiser ends May 15, 2025.
