As each year passes, the passion to give back continues to grow for students involved with one local academy.

Ron Marvel, director of development at the East Tennessee Christian Home and Academy (ETCHA), recently announced the organization is hosting the ninth annual shoe drive as a way to raise funds for the facility and give back to those in need across the globe.

From now until May 18, the organization is accepting new and gently-used shoes, which will be distributed to individuals in different areas across the globe, including Africa and Haiti.

Last year proved to be a fruitful endeavor for the organization, according to Marvel, with the organization gathering more than 8,000 pounds worth of shoes. Marvel added the previous eight drives saw the group average between 6,000 to 8,000 pounds.

“We once again are blessed to have the opportunity to participate in the annual shoe drive,” Marvel said in an email to the Elizabethton Star. “What a win-win this is for our ministry, the shoes go to a good cause, and as we facilitate, we get paid a portion for the pounds of shoes we collect.”

To go along with the donation process, ETCHA receives a dollar per every pair of shoes donation along with an additional 20 cents per pound, which goes back into helping fund the operational costs of the facility.

Marvel added that Northeast Credit Community Union will partner with the group once again at a drop off site. Residents looking to participate can also drop off shoes at ETCHA’s gym.

Marvel also provided an update for the 2018 “Give Thanks” campaign. Since November, the organization has looked to raise $40,000 to help with operational costs at the facility.

Marvel added that the facility is near its goal but is still accepting donations.

To learn more about the different projects underway at the facility or how to get involved, call (423) 542-4423.