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With spring cleaning in full swing, one local organization is providing a place to get rid of those shoes you no longer wear.

Escambia County Habitat for Humanity is conducting a shoe drive fundraiser that began on May 1, 2025 and will continue through June 27th to raise funds for the group’s Building Fund.

Escambia County Habitat for Humanity 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 Escambia County Habitat for Humanity. Anyone can help by donating gently worn, used and new shoes at the Habitat Restore, 1606 Douglas Avenue in Brewton, Alabama.

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 to her son to law school.

“We are excited about our shoe drive,” said Shae Hines, Director of Escambia County Habitat for Humanity. “We know that most people have extra shoes in their closets they would like to donate to us. By doing so, we raise money for our Building Fund, and we have the chance to help families in developing nations who need economic opportunities. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

By donating gently worn, used and new shoes to the Escambia County Habitat for Humanity the shoes will be given a second chance and make a difference in people’s lives around the world.

The Habitat Restore drop off location is on Douglas Avenue across from Burger King, right next door to Jalisco’s Mexican Restaurant. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.