McPherson, Kan. - The Central Cheer shoe drive was a meaningful fundraising opportunity made possible through a partnership with Funds2Orgs. Central cheer chose to participate because it was something new for the program and allowed athletes and families to be involved without any financial pressure. Through Funds2Orgs, Central worked closely with a dedicated Shoe Drive Coach who supported them throughout the entire process. The shoe drive worked by collecting gently used and new shoes from our community.
The impact of this fundraiser extends beyond our local community. The shoes collected are sent overseas, where they are used by micro-entrepreneurs to support small businesses. These individuals are able to sell the shoes in their communities, helping create income and opportunity for families who may otherwise have limited resources. Knowing our fundraiser contributed to sustainable support rather than temporary aid made this experience especially meaningful.
The shoe drive also had a positive impact on the McPherson community. It brought people together around a shared purpose and gave community members an easy way to give back. Freshman cheerleader Michaela Beal shared her perspective on the experience, saying, “The shoe drive reminded me of the power of community. Something as small as collecting shoes can create a big impact and help provide opportunities for people in need. It taught me how teamwork can bring our community together.”
Coach Gracie Kidd spoke about the shoe drive, saying, “I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to our community. Seeing the shoes continue to pile up was a truly surreal experience. I appreciate that this fundraiser impacts more than just our team, and I loved having the opportunity to meet new people while driving around the area picking up donations. Hearing the stories behind the shoes and thinking about how they were once a part of someone’s life made this experience even more meaningful.”
The funds raised through this shoe drive will directly support the growth of Central Cheer. They plan to use the money to purchase additional uniforms for their expanding squad next year, along with matching warm-ups and team t-shirts. These items will help establish a consistent and professional look for the program as they continue to build its identity. Any remaining funds will be used for future needs, such as new outfits for our mascot Toby or saving toward additional cheer mats to support athlete safety and development.
As Central Cheer continues to grow, this shoe drive will stand as a defining moment for the program — a reminder that leadership, service, and community are just as important as performance. With new goals ahead and a stronger foundation beneath them, the future is bright for a team that truly understands the meaning of spirit.