Guild is collecting shoes for needy

The Coulee Medical Center Guild/Auxiliary has started a shoe drive in the area, which will eventually benefit people in third world countries.

It’s all a part of several programs being undertaken by members of the CMC guild/auxiliary, according to President Clea Pryor.

The shoe program has drop boxes in several locations in the coulee area and also in Wilbur.

Drop boxes for shoes may be found at Coulee Hardware, Sunflower Graphics, Loepp Furniture, North Cascades Bank, the Coulee Dam Credit Union, Eagles Lodge, The Star newspaper and at Coulee Medical Center.

Pryor explains that the organization’s motto is: “Supporting the hospital benefits the community.”

She encourages residents to go through their closets and donate shoes not being used to a larger good — that benefiting those who are less fortunate around the world.

Pryor stated that it is estimated that 650 million pairs of shoes end up in the landfill each year.

Pryor said that the hospital guild/auxiliary is part of an international marketing group that will take the shoes and transport them to their destination without cost to the local organization.

The CMC guild is also purchasing an evidence cart that will be used to treat victims of sexual and/or domestic violence in the area. The cart and materials cost $1,200 and is on order.

The CMC guild meets at noon at the hospital on the second Monday of the month and new people are most welcome, Pryor stated.

One of the group’s current projects is to raise money for shower inserts for hospital rooms. The cost per unit is $6,500.

For information on the guild, interested parties can call Pryor at 633-0597 or Dee Parrent, 633-1178.