A good pair of shoes can make a difference, and students at Frenship High School are working to help make that possible for individuals around the world. The SkillsUSA Building Trades Chapter has kicked off Sneakerathon, a shoe collection drive aimed at collecting new and gently used adult athletic shoes. 

Led by Frenship High School Construction Technology teacher Cole Gossett, the project gives students an opportunity to support their chapter's annual fundraising goals while helping provide quality footwear to individuals in communities around the world. 

After the collection drive ends, donated shoes will be cleaned and shipped to various countries, where they will be distributed to teens and adults who may not otherwise have access to proper footwear. 

"We organized this Shoe Drive because we had an opportunity to donate good footwear to many people in third world countries and by doing so, it will help us meet our fundraising goals for the year," said Gossett. 

For students in the Building Trades Chapter, the project also connects to an important part of working in the trades: giving back. Gossett said the drive allows students and the Frenship community to come together to support individuals beyond their own neighborhoods. 

"Being in the trades means you are constantly giving back to your community, so this is an opportunity for the whole Frenship Community to help individuals who are not as well off as we are here in America," Gossett said. 

Beyond collecting shoes, Sneakerathon provides students with an opportunity to develop empathy, leadership, and a sense of responsibility to others. Through the project, students are learning that even a small contribution can help address needs in communities across the globe. 

"I hope my students and the community learn through this project that giving back is about generosity and that they can be part of a solution to problems that affect individuals who live across the globe," Gossett said. 

The Sneakerathon Shoe Drive runs through Friday, December 18. Community members are encouraged to donate new or gently used adult-size athletic shoes. Donations can be dropped off at the main office or south office at Frenship High School.