Elmira, NY -- The Elmira College Baseball team has launched a shoe collection drive, which will run through the majority of the fall academic term, from September 7^th until December 6^th. The fundraiser will have a dual purpose, as it will help the team raise funds for a spring training trip to Florida, while it will also help make a positive impact in impoverished communities abroad. 

"We are excited about our shoe drive," said Coach Paluga. "We know that most people have extra shoes in their closets they would like donate to us and help those less fortunate become self-sufficient.  It's a win-win for everyone," added Paluga.

The Soaring Eagles Baseball team will partner with Funds2Orgs for this fundraising initiative. The team will earn funds based on the number of pairs of shoes collected, as Funds2Orgs has pledged to purchase all donated goods. Anyone can help by donating gently worn, used, or new shoes at head coach Corey Paluga's office in the Meier Athletic Suite in Speidel Gymnasium.

Funds2Orgs is a network of microenterprise partners in developing nations.  The organization helps impoverished people start, maintain and grow businesses in countries such as Haiti, Honduras and other nations in Central America and Africa. Products procured by the organization from the mutually symbiotic relationships, such as the partnership with Elmira College Baseball, are redistributed throughout Funds2Orgs network, helping to provide viable business opportunities for people in developing nations.

By donating to the Elmira College Baseball team, you will not only be helping the program's training efforts, but will also be making a difference in people's lives.

Local organizations interested in learning more about conducting a shoe drive of their own can visit Funds2orgs.com.