Give your shoes a second chance, help support families in need and ensure that students keep making music by participating in a shoe drive fundraiser to benefit the Eastern York High School band.

The band booster club will collect shoes from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, March 27, April 10, 17 and 24, at the school, 720 Cool Creek Road, Wrightsville.

"We will be collecting shoes in the parking lot area in front of the high school performing arts center," said Keith Gromis, band director. "You can simply drive up, pop your trunk, and we will remove the shoes in a contact-free environment. Shoes should be gently used or new, and all types are accepted - boots, heels, flats, cleats, sneakers, flip-flops, etc."

The shoes are then collected by Funds2Orgs, which distributes them throughout its network of microenterprise partners. Funds2Orgs works with microentrepreneurs in helping them create, maintain and grow small businesses in developing countries where economic opportunity and jobs are limited, explained Chasity Cichocki, president of the Eastern York Band Boosters.

"We are excited about our shoe drive," Cichocki said. "We know that most people have extra shoes in their closets they would like to donate to us. By doing so, we raise money for the Eastern York band, and we have the chance to help families in developing nations who need economic opportunities. It's a win-win for everyone."

The band is in need of funds, particularly after a year that made in-person fundraising difficult, Gromis noted. "The band program at Eastern is growing, and we are very quickly realizing a need for instruments at all levels as well as repair to older instruments," he said. "Additionally, the marching band has some big projects in the future, including replacing some old components of our pit instruments, purchasing graphics for our band trailers and raising money to purchase a new concert tuba."

Olivia Cichocki, who plays flute in the band, urged participation in the fundraiser to support an organization that brings joy to many people. "The band is a major source of happiness and positive opportunities for everyone involved," she stated. "We would love your support because the band has come so far in the past few years, and it's an important outlet for tons of students that have their entire high school experience shaped by their positive experiences in band."

Saxophone player and 2020 drum major Michael Feliciano-Vidot said his experience in band has helped him prepare for his future. "I enjoy playing music with my friends, and it also gives me lots of experience for my future goal of performing with one of the U.S. Army bands," he remarked. "We have a lot of band members ... that need support to keep doing what they love and making music."

For more information about the fundraiser, email the Eastern York Band Boosters at easternyorkbb@gmail.com.