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WHALE’s Community Shoe Drive Fundraiser


Clean Out Your Closet. Change a Child's Life.

Join WHALE's Community Shoe Drive Fundraiser

August 1 – September 30

Every pair of shoes you donate helps raise funds that support inclusive childcare and respite services for children of all abilities at WHALE Respite Center. Together, we can transform gently worn shoes into opportunities for local children and families.

Whether you donate one pair of shoes, host a collection site, organize a team, or volunteer your time, you are helping build a more inclusive community for children and families across Weld County and Northern Colorado.

About the Fundraiser

WHALE is excited to launch our first annual Community Shoe Drive Fundraiser!

From August 1 through September 30, we're inviting individuals, families, businesses, schools, churches, civic organizations, and community groups throughout Northern Colorado to collect gently worn, used, and new shoes.

The shoes collected through this fundraiser are converted into funding that helps WHALE provide inclusive childcare and respite services for children of all abilities. It's an easy way to support local families while giving shoes a second life.

Ways to Get Involved

👟 Donate Shoes

Clean out your closets and donate gently worn, used, or new shoes. Every pair helps support children and families served by WHALE.

Drop off location: WHALE Respite Center, 5699 W 20th St, Suite 400, Greeley, CO

🏢 Become a Community Partner

Businesses, schools, churches, service clubs, neighborhood groups, fitness centers, and organizations are invited to become Community Partners by hosting a shoe collection site.

We'll provide promotional materials, social media recognition, and ongoing support throughout the campaign to help make your collection a success.

New Community Partners are welcome to join the campaign at any time.

❤️ Organize a Team

Invite your coworkers, classmates, church members, friends, neighbors, or family to collect shoes together.

Friendly competition makes a meaningful difference!

🙋 Volunteer

We'll be looking for volunteers throughout the campaign to help:

  • Match shoes into pairs

  • Rubber-band or tie shoes together

  • Sort shoes by quality

  • Bag shoes for shipment

  • Assist with collection events

Volunteer opportunities will be shared throughout the campaign.

What Shoes Can I Donate?

We gladly accept:

  • Men's shoes

  • Women's shoes

  • Children's shoes

  • Athletic shoes

  • Tennis shoes

  • Dress shoes

  • Boots

  • Sandals

  • Flip-flops

  • Cleats

  • Work shoes

  • New shoes

  • Gently worn shoes

Please do not donate:

  • Shoes with holes or significant damage

  • Ski boots

  • Snowboard boots

If possible, tie or rubber-band shoes together in pairs. It makes the sorting process much easier for our volunteers.

Community Challenge

Help your business or organization make an impact!

The Community Partner collecting the most shoes during the campaign will receive:

🍩 A special thank-you visit from WHALE participants

🐳 Donuts delivered by the WHALE team

📸 Recognition on WHALE's website and social media

Event Contact

Interested in becoming a Community Partner, organizing a team, volunteering, or learning more?

Jacqueline Tiley, Director of Grants📞 970-980-9674📧 Jacqueline.Tiley@whalerespite.org

Frequently Asked Questions

Why shoes? Every donated pair helps raise funds that support WHALE's inclusive childcare and respite programs for children of all abilities.

When is the fundraiser? August 1 through September 30

Can my business become a Community Partner after August 1? Absolutely! New Community Partners are welcome throughout the campaign.

Is there a minimum number of shoes I need to donate? No. Every pair helps make a difference.

Can I volunteer even if I don't have shoes to donate? Yes! We'll need volunteers throughout the campaign to help sort, pair, and prepare shoes for shipment. ‍

Where can I drop off shoes? You are welcome to donate shoes at WHALE Respite Center located at 5699 W 20th St, Suite 400 in Greeley!

Follow the Journey

Follow WHALE on Facebook and LinkedIn throughout August and September as we celebrate Community Partners, recognize volunteers, share campaign milestones, and highlight the incredible impact our community is making together.

Thank you for helping us Clean Out Your Closet. Change a Child's Life.

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Community Night 2026