Salem Lutheran Church is once again participating in the Shoeman Water Project by helping send shoes to developing-world retailers. Organizers use funds generated to provide well-drilling rigs, water purification systems and hand pump repair that will in turn give fresh water to people in developing countries.

The secondhand shoes are a valuable product for street vendors to sell at affordable prices. Those who wind up wearing them are people who don’t have shoes and can’t afford to buy new ones. The shoes protect their feet from foot abrasions, parasites and mites.

The church is seeking any kind of shoe, from high heels to tennis shoes to flip flops. The soles must be intact, and there can’t be any rips or holes. Those who donate are asked to tie the shoes with rubber bands or tie the shoe strings together.

Shoes can be dropped off at Salem at 222 East Beecher, Thrivent Financial at 1101 West Morton, and Trinity Lutheran Church in Arenzville, and nearly a dozen other spots in town.