The cross country team at Renaissance Academy Charter School in Phoenixville is collecting shoes during the offseason for a good cause, writes Matteo Iadonisi for 6ABC. 

The team collects footwear from the members of the community to donate them to people who need them. 

“I have way too many shoes in my house and I thought I always needed more,” said team co-captain Aidan Duong. “And then after seeing this, I realize how lucky I am to have what I have.” 

The team has so far collected around 900 pairs of shoes which will later be donated to Funds2Orgs as well as used to stock shelves for small businesses in several developing nations. 

“We thought that with shoes being such an important part of cross country that it would be a great way to also give back,” said Kaitlyn Mendenhall, head coach of the middle school cross country team. 

Renaissance Academy Charter School will accept donations of shoes at the school building until Jan. 15. Throughout the holiday break, there will be a collection box outside for drop-offs. 

Read more about the team’s efforts at 6ABC.