Progress Village Shoe Drive Kicks Into Final Weekend:

TAMPA, FL – April 23, 2025 — Progress Village Middle Magnet School of the Arts is lacing up for one final push in their community-wide shoe drive—and your soles could help them reach their goal of 2,500 pairs by this Saturday, April 26th!

From stilettos to sneakers, Crocs to cleats, the school is accepting all gently used shoes in any size or style. The donations support not only Progress Village—a Title I arts magnet school serving students across Lithia, Apollo Beach, Riverview, Tampa, and Valrico—but also global communities through a partnership with Funds2Orgs, a nonprofit that helps micro-entrepreneurs in developing countries launch small businesses with donated shoes.

“We’re not asking for your soul—just your soles,” said Regina Nickerson, one of the community organizers behind the effort. “If you’ve got shoes you haven’t worn since Y2K or ones that give you blisters just thinking about them—this is your chance to give them new life and make a real difference.”

How to Donate:

🔹 Porch Drop-Off Locations:

• FishHawk Starling: 15927 Persimmon Grove Dr, Lithia, FL 33547
• Riverview (off 78th St): 8814 Riverlachen Way, Riverview, FL 33578
• Progress Village School Office: 8113 Zinnia Dr, Tampa, FL 33619

🔹 At School:

• Students: Drop shoes in the host or theatre boxes during breakfast
• Parents: Thursday afternoon car line drop-off at 3:35 PM
• Events: Concerts and talent shows will also have donation bins

Students to be entered into a raffle for a $10 gift card, label donations with your full name and homeroom teacher.

Local Pickup Available

On Saturday, April 26th, volunteers will collect shoes following the FishHawk community yard sale. If you'd like your shoes picked up, simply leave them near your front door and text your address to Mel Sharma at 727-542-3188.

“Our goal is within reach,” said Stephanie Smigiel, PTSA President. “If every student donates just 2-3 pairs, we’ll not only hit our target—we’ll crush it. It’s a small gesture with a huge footprint.”

The drive wraps up Saturday evening—so there’s still time to clean out your closet and be a “shoe-perstar” for a great cause.

For more information: ProgressVillageMiddlePTSA@gmail.com

Let’s finish strong, one step at a time! 💜👟