His Hands Free Clinic aims to break the world record for most pairs of shoes collected in a week, and is asking for community help.
From June 17 to June 21, the nonprofit medical clinic will accept pairs of gently worn, used, and new shoes and sandals at more than 80 drop-off locations across Cedar Rapids.
The current Guinness Book of World Records holder stands at 250,001 pairs of shoes gathered in a week. His Hands Free Clinic hopes to break this record, and provide support for developing businesses and those in need of shoes across the globe.
The weeklong event will also raise funds for free health care for uninsured and underinsured individuals based on the total weight of the pairs of shoes donated, according to a media release from His Hands Free Clinic.
New or gently used shoes will be received at Westminster Presbyterian Church from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day of the drive. Additional drop-off locations can be found via the His Hands Free Clinic website.
All donated shoes will be redistributed through Funds2Org, which works with small businesses in developing countries, the release stated.
“We are excited about this unique fundraiser that benefits many,” said Development Director Dawn Brouwers in the release. “A lot of people have extra shoes in their closets they never wear, but are in good condition. By doing so, we raise money for health care at no cost and we have the chance to help provide shoes to families in Cedar Rapids and developing nations who need economic opportunities. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
