HARTSVILLE, S.C. - The Coker College Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) wrapped up its inaugural shoe drive on Tuesday (Oct. 14). SAAC partnered with Pat James and Wayside Baptist Church in Bishopville, S.C. for the month-long drive.

"The purpose of this shoe drive was to collect as many pairs of shoes as possible," said first-year SAAC advisor, Sharod Williams. "However, the real reason was to show everyone involved just how grateful they should be. Something as small as a pair of shoes to one of us, could mean the world to the individual that receives them."

The shoe drive was held to benefit those individuals who live in poverty-stricken environments in the United States, as well as in third-world countries around the globe. All the shoes collected will be donated to Soles4Souls on behalf Wayside Baptist Church.

"Working with Coker was beyond helpful to the overall shoe drive," said James. "The initiative by SAAC and the athletics department to get involved with our church and really push the effort allowed us to exceed our initial goals. I have so much gratitude for SAAC and Coker, it's an institution full of class acts."

Members of the Coker staff, faculty and student body donated a grand total of 365 pairs of shoes, surpassing the original goal of 300 pairs. Vice President of Athletics and Facilities, Dr. Lynn Griffin was thoroughly impressed with the endeavor taken on by the student-athletes and the entire Coker campus.

"This shoe drive has been heartwarming," said Griffin. "SAAC has been at the helm of some pretty great service projects this semester, but this project was something spectacular. When you have student-athletes and a campus that understands some things are bigger than themselves and buy in to bettering the greater good, it makes your job worth it."

More about Soles4Souls

Soles4Souls is a global not-for-profit institution dedicated to fighting the devastating impact and perpetuation of poverty.  The organization advances its anti-poverty mission by collecting new and used shoes and clothes from individuals, schools, faith-based institutions, civic organizations and corporate partners, then distributing those shoes and clothes both via direct donations to people in need and by provisioning qualified micro-enterprise programs designed to create jobs in poor and disadvantaged communities.

Release written by Coker Sports Information intern Aaron Beebe '15