Whitewater Whippet Cheerleading is conducting a shoe drive fundraiser
beginning on October 31st, 2022, and running through December 30th, 2022, to raise funds for
uniforms. Whippet Cheerleading 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 Whippet Cheerleading. Anyone can help by donating gently worn, used and new
shoes at UWW University Center, Irvin L. Young Memorial Library, First English Lutheran Church, Lincoln and Washington Elementary Schools, Middle and High Schools.

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 her
son to law school.

“We are excited about our shoe drive,” said Jorie Raudenbush, Coach. “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
growing program’s uniform needs, and we have the chance to help families in developing nations who
need economic opportunities. Shoes will also be donated locally. It’s a win for everyone.”
By donating gently worn, used and new shoes to Whippet Cheerleading, the shoes will be given a
second chance and make a difference in people’s lives around the world and in our own community.

[From the Funds2Orgs website] Funds2Orgs accepts all gently worn, used and new shoes, sneakers, and even cleats. However, there are some restrictions, which are as follows:

• Single Shoes or mismatched pairs of shoes
• Ice Skates
• Rollerblades / Roller Skates
• Wet / moldy shoes
• Shoes with holes or tears
• No thrift store shoes are accepted.

If possible it would be helpful if you could rubber-band the shoes together or tie the laces together to prevent the pairs from separating.

About Whippet Cheerleading
The Whippet Cheerleading program is for students in grades 6-12 who attend Whitewater public
schools. Currently the program includes approximately 30 cheerleaders who cheer for middle and high
school basketball teams and the high school football team. Our cheerleading program provides
students opportunities to improve upon their athleticism, and build communication, teamwork, and
leadership skills.

Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Dim Hou from Pixabay.