Michigan, September 7, 2025
News Summary
Michigan has initiated statewide shoe donation drives to combat landfill waste, with over 300 million shoes discarded annually. Various organizations, like Grogan Elementary, RUNDetroit, and Gazelle Sports, are collecting shoes to promote recycling and support community needs. Local residents can contribute gently used or new footwear, and the initiative aims to not only address environmental issues but also enhance children’s well-being by providing them with properly fitting shoes.
Michigan has announced the launch of statewide shoe donation drives to address the critical issue of landfill waste, as over 300 million shoes are discarded in U.S. landfills annually. This initiative aims to provide residents with alternative methods for disposing of shoes while promoting recycling and supporting various community causes.
Across the state, several businesses and organizations are implementing shoe collection initiatives. These efforts range from month-long drives to year-round programs, encouraging individuals to donate both new and gently used footwear. One significant initiative is taking place at Grogan Elementary School in Southgate, where a shoe drive fundraiser will collect shoes from September 12 to November 12. Funds raised during the drive will assist the school’s Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) through collaboration with Funds2Orgs.
RUNDetroit is also contributing to this movement by collecting old shoes to support Zaman International, an organization that repurposes gently used pairs or recycles those that are no longer fit for use. Meanwhile, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul has established multiple drop-off locations across metro Detroit for gently used shoes, which will either be resold or donated to individuals in need.
Another notable project is being run by Gazelle Sports, which collects used running shoes and sends them to Terracycle for recycling into raw materials used in new products. Gazelle Sports has locations in Northville, Birmingham, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Grandville, and Holland, making it convenient for residents to participate.
In Saline, the First Presbyterian Church is undertaking an ambitious goal of collecting 10,000 new and gently used shoes by September 30, all in support of Soles4Souls. Meanwhile, WeRun313 is organizing a community shoe donation event on May 7, where they will give away over 1,200 gently used running shoes to promote social inclusion in running.
An initiative named Lace Up Detroit is also noteworthy, as it focuses on providing new athletic shoes to children in Detroit. A donation event is scheduled for August 20 at the Durfee Innovation Society, reflecting the community’s effort to meet the needs of local youth.
Beyond these organized drives, local donations made to charities such as Goodwill, Salvation Army, and local thrift stores also play an essential role in the resale of gently used shoes. For those who prefer to ship their donations, Soles4Souls allows for mailed contributions to their organization.
Community groups are actively promoting these shoe donation drives through social media and local notices, encouraging all residents to take part. The donations not only aim to address environmental concerns related to waste but also provide emotional and physical benefits for children, particularly those attending school. Wearing new, properly fitting shoes can significantly boost children’s joy, dignity, and confidence.
Key Features of Michigan’s Shoe Donation Drives
| Initiative | Location | Collection Dates | Beneficiary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grogan Elementary School Shoe Drive | Southgate | Sept. 12 – Nov. 12 | PTO (Funds2Orgs) |
| RUNDetroit Collection | Detroit | Ongoing | Zaman International |
| Society of St. Vincent de Paul Drop-off | Metro Detroit | Ongoing | Local needy |
| Gazelle Sports Recycling | Various Locations | Ongoing | Terracycle |
| First Presbyterian Church Shoe Drive | Saline | Until Sept. 30 | Soles4Souls |
| WeRun313 Community Donation | Detroit | May 7 | Community Inclusion |
| Lace Up Detroit Event | Detroit | Aug. 20 | Local Youth |
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of shoes can be donated?
Donors can contribute gently used and new shoes of any kind, including athletic shoes, casual footwear, and dress shoes.
How can I find a local drop-off location?
Residents can search online or check community bulletins for local organizations participating in the shoe donation drives.
Are there any specific shoes that are not accepted?
Generally, shoes that are heavily damaged, worn out, or soiled are not accepted; however, each organization may have specific guidelines.
What happens to the donated shoes?
Donated shoes are either repurposed, recycled or provided to individuals in need, depending on the organization handling the collection.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Detroit Free Press
- WXYZ
- Click On Detroit
- NBA Pistons
- Detroit News
- Wikipedia: Shoe donation
- Google Search: shoe donation
- Google Scholar: shoe donation programs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: donation
- Google News: shoewear donations
Author: STAFF HERE NORTHVILLE WRITER
The NORTHVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENorthville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Northville, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Summer Concert Series, Tunes on Tuesday, and the Northville Farmers Market. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Northville Chamber of Commerce and Northville Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, software, and retail that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Reliable Software, and Attendance on Demand. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
