10/09/2026
The SkillsUSA Student Organization at the Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative (LPVEC) Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) launched a shoe drive fundraiser on October 8th, running through November 25th, to raise funds for students participating in SkillsUSA state and national competitions.
Community members are invited to donate gently worn, used, or new shoes at the Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative (LPVEC), 174 Brush Hill Avenue, West Springfield, MA. A collection box is conveniently located in front of the school, making it easy for community members to drive by and drop off their donations.
The SkillsUSA Student Organization will earn funds based on the total weight of the shoes collected. Through its partnership with Funds2Orgs, SkillsUSA will collect and weigh the donated footwear and receive a check based on the total amount collected. The funds raised will directly benefit the LPVEC CTEC SkillsUSA chapter and help provide students with opportunities to compete at the state and national levels.
“We are excited about our shoe drive,” said Christine Ganong, SkillsUSA Advisor. “Our chapter continues to grow each year, creating more opportunities for our students to participate in SkillsUSA state and national competitions. We know many people have extra shoes sitting unused in their closets, and we encourage them to donate them to our fundraiser. Every pair supports our students, gives the shoes a second life, and helps families worldwide. It truly is a win-win for everyone.”
SkillsUSA is a national workforce development organization that empowers middle school, high school, and college students to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders, and responsible community members.
SkillsUSA represents more than 444,000 career and technical education students and teachers and operates chapters across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The organization supports education and training in 130 occupational areas, ranging from 3-D animation to welding.
Founded in 1965, SkillsUSA has served more than 15 million cumulative members and continues to provide students with opportunities to develop technical skills, leadership abilities, professional skills, and industry connections.
This shoe drive's benefits extend beyond the LPVEC CTEC SkillsUSA chapter. Donated shoes will be redistributed through the Funds2Orgs network of micro-enterprise partners.
Funds2Orgs works with micro-entrepreneurs in developing countries where economic opportunities and jobs can be limited. These small-business owners can sell the shoes to generate income for their families. The proceeds can help provide necessities such as food, clothing, housing, and education.
By donating shoes you no longer need, community members can make a difference twice: first by supporting the LPVEC students as they pursue career and leadership opportunities, and again by helping create economic opportunities for families around the world.
Help SkillsUSA Fill the Bus Events!
Shoe Drive Details:
What: Gently worn, used, and new shoes
When: October 8 – November 25, 8:00 am – 3:30 pm
Where: The LPVEC, 174 Brush Hill Avenue, West Springfield, MA
Drop-Off: Collection box located in front of the school — drive by and drop them off!
Open House Details:
What: “Help Fill the Bus with Shoes During Open House”
When: November 24 at 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Where: The LPVEC, 174 Brush Hill Avenue, West Springfield, MA
Drop-Off: Bring gently worn, used, and new shoes to the Open House and give them to a SkillsUSA Student Representative so we can fill the bus.
Holiday Haircut-A-Thon Honoring Veterans Event Details:
What: “Help Fill the Bus with Shoes During the Holiday Haircut-A-Thon Honoring Veterans Event”
When: November 25 at 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Where: The LPVEC, 174 Brush Hill Avenue, West Springfield, MA
Drop-Off: Bring gently worn, used, and new shoes to the Holiday Haircut-A-Thon and Veterans Event.
Contact Information:
Christine Ganong, SkillsUSA Advisor
Henry Crochier, SkillsUSA Advisor
Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative (LPVEC)
Office: 413-735-2200
Email: [email protected]
