The St. James Pickleball Association (SJPA) and St. James Tennis Association (SJTA) are proud to share the results of the 2023 GotSneakers drive. SJPA and SJTA provided the manpower, Troon supported the program with drop-off locations and communication, and the GotSneakers organization has the mechanism to refurbish used shoes, recycle sneakers and deliver refurbished shoes to those who do not have shoes.
The 2023 used sneaker drive kept 1,628 pairs of used sneakers out of our Brunswick County Landfill.
- Sneakers are made with non-biodegradable materials that take 30-40 years to break down. All the while releasing toxins into the groundwater. Here in our active St. James community, we go through a lot of sneakers. The manufacturing of new sneakers creates large amounts of CO2. Carbon Dioxide impacts the air quality and temperature. GotSneakers credited our drive with
48,840 pounds of Carbon Dioxide displacement and 3,674,396 gallons of water saved.
The St. James GotSneakers drive also raised over $1,000 which it donated to
WAVES 4 K.I.D.S.
- Working closely with The Department of Social Services (DSS) in Brunswick County,
WAVES 4 K.I.D.S. provides financial support for needed goods and services not available through public funds for children and teens in foster care. WAVES 4 K.I.D.S. also helps prevent children from being placed in foster homes by supporting families under the care of the In-Home Services division of DSS.
- “Foster children struggle in many ways that most of us cannot imagine. The St. James Pickleball Association and the St. James Tennis Association joined together to prove that they understand the struggles of the foster child world. Through their hard work and generous donation to WAVES 4 K.I.D.S. children in Brunswick County living in very difficult situations under the care of the Department of Social Services will experience a better life. The board of directors and the families we serve are grateful for your generosity,” said John Waters, President, WAVES 4 K.I.D.S.
Hold those worn shoes for next year and we will collect them. Nice Job St. James.