Merrimack Valley Credit Union Hosting Shoe Drive

At right: Ivana Caminero, call center representative, donates a pair of shoes at MVCU headquarters in Lawrence.

Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU), with NH branches in Seabrook and Plaistow, is hosting a shoe drive to collect donations for Lazarus House Ministries Inc. in Lawrence. The organization will also donate $5 to the nonprofits for every pair of gently used shoes collected, up to $10,000.

Branches will welcome gently used shoes, including sneakers, sandals, boots and dress shoes for men, women and children, through Tuesday, April 30. Donors are asked to group pairs of shoes together when preparing their donations, so pairs don’t get separated. This can be done by tying the two shoe laces together, tying string around the pair, or putting pairs in bags. Donation receipts will be available upon request at all branch locations.

John J. Howard, president and CEO of Merrimack Valley Credit Union says, “While many in our community regularly donate clothing to shelters and other organizations, some may not realize shoes can be donated too. Collecting gently used shoes families no longer need is a great way to rally our members and residents to help.”

Lazarus House Ministries will make the donated shoes available through its thrift stores, which provide clothing and goods at reduced rates for those who struggle to make ends meet. For those who cannot afford to purchase items, or those transitioning from homelessness, the items are free.

“Merrimack Valley Credit Union’s continued support over the last 10 years has allowed us to expand our services and to help open doors out of poverty,” says Kelley Granahan, director of development, Lazarus House Ministries. “We’re proud to have partners like MVCU to help us meet the growing need in our community. The collected shoes and matching donation will help us keep more of our guests warm, fed and on the road to self-sufficiency.”

Bridgewater Credit Union (BCU), a division of Merrimack Valley Credit Union is also taking part. Donations made at BCU branches will benefit GiftsToGive in Acushnet, Massachusetts.