April 14, 2008

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Purdue chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, along with the Purdue football team, men's basketball team and athletes from other sports are sponsoring the third annual Shoes for Haiti Drive.

Athletes will be on hand to collect new and gently used shoes, backpacks and baseball hats that will be sent to Haiti to be distributed through the Double Harvest Ministry to those in need.

Double Harvest is a huge farming complex that houses Haiti's largest greenhouse and is heavily involved in reforestation. Double Harvest runs a school for students in kindergarten through 12th grade with an enrollment of 450 students. There is also a fully functional surgical clinic, lab, pharmacy and dentist office with two doctors and a complete support staff.

This year's goal is to collect at least 1,200 pairs of shoes. Drop off your donation items anytime between noon and 6pm on Tuesday, April 22 or Wednesday, April 23 at the Stewart Co-op on the corner of Dodge and Northwestern Avenue (across from Mackey Arena) in West Lafayette. Purdue athletes will be present to accept your donated items.

If more information is needed, please contact Athletic Chaplain Marty Dittmar at 765-430-1610.