Harrison County Public Library partnered with WaterStep during the “All Together Now” summer reading challenge to run a shoe drive. WaterStep, a Louisville based company, designs and implements sustainable water projects and programs around the globe with funding from shoe drives. In addition to their mission of providing sustainable safe water solutions, WaterStep helps during times of disaster with WOW (Water on Wheels) carts, mini-water treatment plants. To date, WaterStep has responded to 33 disasters, the most recent being the floods in Eastern Kentucky at home and the earthquake in Turkey abroad.
One out of ten people in the world live without a safe water source. WaterStep shoe development coordinator Ron McKulick challenged the library to collect 600 pounds of shoes during the two-month drive. McKulick estimated that the library collected a total of 360 pounds; 200 lbs. in June and 160 lbs. during July. The goal may not have been met, but the library shoe drive provides safe water for life to 120 people.
Library administrative assistant Diana Lasky enthused, “I am so grateful to Harrison County and the library staff for making this community service project successful! It just amazes me that 3 pairs of shoes can fund safe water to a person for life!”
Harrison County has year-round WaterStep shoe collection boxes at the YMCA of Harrison County, Harrison County Community Services, Old Capital Cleaners, Harmony and Health, and the Mortenson Dental Corydon office. Individuals and businesses who are interested in learning more about WaterStep may visit their website at https://waterstep.org/.
