LI town joins local teen for shoe drive in honor of ‘Shoe the World’ Day

The Town of Smithtown is stepping forward for a meaningful cause, assigning town hall as an official collection point for gently used and new shoes from now through Monday, March 9. 

The shoe drive followed a request from a young resident, 13-year-old Danica Colapinto, who organized the initiative as a way to give back and inspire others to do the same.

Colapinto, who is Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim’s granddaughter, contacted the town supervisor’s office with the request. 

“Danica — my granddaughter — very professionally reached out to my office because she was looking for a meaningful way to give back and make a difference in her community,” said Wehrheim, who proudly waxed about his granddaughter’s character and accomplishments. “I was happy to support her effort, as I would support any young resident who came forward with a similar idea to help our community. How could I say no?” 

In addition to the town hall collection, Colapinto will also gather gently worn and new dance shoes at Sara Jean Dance Company. 

The collected shoes will be delivered on March 15, in recognition of National Shoe the World Day, benefiting organizations such as Soles4Souls and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America — organizations dedicated to providing footwear and support to individuals and families in need.

Residents are invited to participate by donating clean, gently used or new shoes of any kind at Town Hall 99 East Main St. in Smithtown, and dance shoes at Sara Jean Dance Company, located at 975 W. Jericho Turnpike in Smithtown.

For additional information, residents may contact Smithtown Town Hall during regular business hours.