MONTGOMERY, Ala. ---- The Auburn Montgomery cross country teams will be collecting shoes in conjunction with the Soles4Souls initiative from Monday, March 31 to Thursday, April 3, on AUM's campus.

The programs have identified two sites on campus where they will be collecting shoes of any kind that are somewhat clean and without large holes. Those collection points, which will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., are in Goodwyn Hall and at the Wellness Center.

"We chose the Soles4Souls project because the organization works with six poverty-stricken countries where unemployment is high," head coach Michael Gross said. "Their goal is to distribute the shoes in an effort to create small businesses, not just another hand-out in a poor country. It was also a good project where the Cross Country runners could take charge and do the work. I am proud of their efforts so far."

Soles4Souls, Inc. is a nonprofit social enterprise that advances the fight against global poverty by monetizing used shoes and clothing to create sustainable jobs and fund direct relief efforts around the world. The organization collects new and used shoes and clothes from individuals, schools, faith based institutions, civic organizations and corporate partners, then distributes those shoes and clothes both via direct donations to people in need and through qualified micro-enterprise programs designed to create jobs in poor and disadvantaged communities. 

Based in Nashville, Tenn., Soles4Souls is committed to the highest standards of operating and governance, and holds a four-star rating with Charity Navigator. 

Additional information about the organization can be found at www.soles4souls.org.