HC students turn shoes into water for those in need

While poverty continues marching on, students and faculty are doing their part in aiding those in need. In collaboration with WaterStep, HC is hosting a drive that makes a profit from new and used shoes, giving the proceeds to fund water projects within developing countries.

WaterStep is a non-profit organization that works to craft a world where anyone can drink water without being concerned about water contamination and other sanitation issues. By gathering volunteers, WaterStep is bettering the lives of people that can’t acquire basic human needs.

“We train people in developing countries how to use safe water solutions, like water purification, health education, and well repair, empowering communities to take care of their own water needs for years (according to WaterStep.org).”

The main objective of this organization’s collaboration with HC is to deliver healthy water to communities that require assistance.

“Shoes that we don’t need can be donated and recycled into playground materials,” HC science teacher Denise Minor said, “then the money is used to pay for water filtrations.”

Without the benefits that come with readily available water, children are also incapable of pursuing interests and expanding their knowledge.

“Students are unable to attend school because they are too busy getting water for their families,” Minor said. “This program allows them to receive that education.”

Benefits from WaterStep are already apparent and allowing developing countries to grow. From these donations, communities are able to receive the basic human rights that should be available to all.

“This global mission is already making a difference,” Minor said. “Ten villages in Costa Rica and Uganda have been exposed to filtered water, giving students the opportunity to go to school and also decreasing health issues dramatically.”

HC students are interested in giving back to their communities and see the importance of participating in such a beneficial program.

“I think this will bring us together for something extraordinary,” HC junior Landon Melton said.