The Newton County Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta alumnae is conducting a shoe collection drive through the end of March to raise funds for organization’s outreach programs.

Women’s suits are also being collected, and will be given away on Saturday, March 26 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Washington Street Community Center, 4138 School Street SW in Covington.

The shoes are collected and will be purchased by Funds2Orgs. They are then redistributed through the Funds2Orgs network of microenterprise partners in developing nations to help them start, maintain and grow businesses.

“The shoes provide employment opportunities in countries [such as] Haiti, Honduras, Morocco, the Philippines, even the United States,” said Bea Jackson, a member of Delta Sigma Theta. “Organization and small businesses that qualify will be given 100 pairs of shoes to start and open their businesses.

“The people go through a free training program on how to run their own business selling shoes,” she said. After the first shipment of free shoes, the entrepreneurs will be able to purchase additional shoes at a low cost.

“We see it as a real win-win scenario,” Jackson said.

The chapter hopes to collect 7,500 pairs of gently-worn men’s, women’s and children’s shoes to raise $3,000 for educational development, economic development, social action, international awareness and physical and mental health.

So far, Jackson said, the organization has collected 75 bags.

Shoes are being collected at two different locations: Washington Community Center, 4138 School St SW in Covington; and the Literacy Link, 3460 McDonough Hwy. People can drop off their donations any day of the week.

For more information, call Jackson at 770-786-4002 or email caac_2ndvicepresident@yahoo.com.