Brandman University campuses at Lacey and Naval Base Kitsap (Bangor) are supporting Sleep Country USA’s annual Shoe Drive for Foster Kids starting today. There are more than 10,000 children in foster care in Washington state on any given day.

“We want to do something meaningful to give back to our community,” says Dr. Margo Deegan, Brandman’s Lacey campus director. “This is a great way to engage students while helping out children who are in need. We all know how quickly kids grow and need new shoes.”

This is the ninth year for the Sleep Country Foster Kids program, which hosts six annual donation drives to collect essential items such as pajamas, clothing, shoes, school supplies, warm coats and gifts during the holidays.

Last year, Sleep Country collected more than 8,000 pairs of shoes during its Shoe Drive.

“The success of our Foster Kids program largely depends on generous community members, local businesses and organizations,” said Jarrett Tomalin, Sleep Country’s community relations coordinator. “We’re so thankful that the Lacey and Bangor Brandman University campuses are hosting Shoe Drives to support foster youth and can’t wait to see how many pairs of shoes they collect.”

Donations are distributed among Sleep Country’s partner non-profit foster organizations, including Community & Family Services Foundation – Kitsap, Olive Crest and The Wishing Well.

“Our goal is to collect at least 100 pairs of shoes at both of the Brandman campuses,” says Shannon Frith, coordinator for Brandman’s Bangor campus drive. “We are reaching out to both instructors and students to organize efforts by classes to inspire donations.”

Shoes are being collected at the Brandman University Lacey and Bangor campus offices.

Here is what is needed:

· New shoes of all sizes – infant to adult

· Athletic shoes

· Shoes for both boys and girls

This is the first time the Brandman campuses have participated in the shoe drive.

“We know the need is great for foster children,” says Jennifer Perryman, Brandman’s Bangor campus director. “What better way to contribute to our local communities than by collecting and donating an item these children wear every day, and is something most of us take for granted.”

The Shoe Drive for Foster Kids runs through June 8 when the collected donations will be presented to Sleep Country USA.