Donate new flip-flops to Haitian earthquake victims

"Flip-Flops for Haiti," an idea conceived by Fairview Park's Josie Katzbach following a trip to help the people in Haiti, has grown into a community effort. 

Katzbach's goal is to collect 2,000 pairs of new flip-flops in a variety of sizes to provide for the men, women and children in the mountains of Haiti, many of whom have only hand-me-down shoes or are barefoot.

The students and staff at Dover Elementary School in Westlake are participating and have already donated 150 pairs of flip-flops to the cause.

Owner Dave Chudzinski and the staff at Peppi's Pizza are also supporting the effort by setting up a collection box at their location at 26569 Center Ridge Road in Westlake. 

For those wishing to drop off flip-flops at Peppi’s, please stop by during their hours of operation from 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday or from 10:30 a.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday.
 
Other locations where donations are being accepted include the Cleveland Clinic office at 16215 Madison Avenue in Lakewood, Curves at 21629 Center Ridge Road in Rocky River, Gina’s Place at 21930 Lorain Avenue in Fairview Park and Gayle’s Hair Studio at 23844 Lorain Avenue in North Olmsted.

Donations will be accepted through June 30, after which Katzbach is planning to return to Haiti to deliver the flip-flops in person.

For further information about donations or to set up a collection box, you may contact Katzbach at josieakay@yahoo.com.

Laura Gonzalez lives in Bay Village.