Ludlowe sports teams to hold shoe drive

Members of Fairfield Ludlowe High School's spring athletic teams will collect shoes to give to countries in need during a "Falcons Give Back" drive Thursday, May 3, through Friday, May 11.

Footwear to be accepted will include shoes, sneakers, clogs, flip flops, loafers, flats, sandals, work boots, dress boots, slippers and athletic cleats with rubber spikes. Shoes with metal, ski boots and winter boots will not be accepted, according to Dave Schulz, the school's athletic director, who organized the drive.

The shoes will be collected by a distributor, who will pay by the pound and send them to designated countries. The proceeds from the drive will be given to Southport's Wakeman Boys and Girls Club and the club's Smilow-Burroughs Clubhouse in Bridgeport to fund Bridgeport summer camp fees and building of a playground.

The drive is the last of six "Falcons Give Back" drives this year to collect canned goods, clothes games and other items for local organizations, Schulz said. The initiative began last year, he said.

Drop-off sites for shoes will be in the front and back of the school, 785 Unquowa Road, and in the school's main office. There will also be drop-off sites at the club, 385 South St., and the clubhouse, 2414 Fairfield Ave., Bridgeport.