Maryland Sneaker Cartel was originally comprised of shoe enthusiasts, graphic artists, aspiring DJs, musicians and photographers.
But soon, the student-run organization will turn its focus from creativity to philanthropy.
Starting next semester, Sneaker Cartel will begin collecting old, beat-up sneakers to give to Green Sneaker — a non-profit organization that offers a monetary compensation for every pound of shoes donated.
“We aren’t going to keep the money we earn,” Marshall Tan, a sophomore psychology major and vice president of operations of Sneaker Cartel, is quick to point out. “We haven’t chosen a charity yet, but we definitely are going to donate it. We will provide shoes for people who need it and then make donations.”
Sneaker Cartel is planning to place boxes in residence halls and elsewhere on the campus for students to drop off their old shoes. They will not accept flip-flops or sandals, Tan said, but any sneaker — no matter how beat-up — is welcome.
“Green Sneaker repairs all sneakers,” Tan said, “even if there are holes in the soles.”
The organization is also looking to reward students for their donations.
“We want to put on a giant benefit concert at the end of April,” Tan said. “A lot of our 200 members have personal relationships with big-name artists. We want an act that will be notable and recognizable.”
Instead of purchasing a ticket to the concert, Tan said, students will be required to bring a pair of sneakers to donate.
“Shoes in exchange for a free concert? Why not? I’d definitely do it,” said Jaylynn Munson, a sophomore communication and English major. “People need shoes, so I’d be doing something good at the same time.”
Sneaker Cartel is hoping to work with Student Entertainment Events to help with funding for the concert.
The campus-wide philanthropy project’s creators — Justin Sanit, a senior marketing major, and Hafie Yillah, a sophomore communication major — asked the Residence Hall Association for its help in spreading the word in Tuesday’s RHA senate meeting.
North Hill senator Kevin LaCherra is preparing a resolution for the RHA to debate next semester.
“We want to get all different organizations involved,” Tan said. “We’re looking to involve the RHA and the [Student Government Association]. We want to bring everyone together and do something cool while educating about this issue.”
“We also want to go green and help the environment by recycling all of the used footwear,” Tan added.
When it began last year, Maryland Sneaker Cartel was envisioned as a venue for sneaker enthusiasts to expand and create connections, Tan said.
“It’s a whole culture,” he said. “It personifies a lifestyle. It’s all networking and providing opportunities for people looking to expand.”
Joe Chen, a sophomore letters and sciences major, said he’s looking forward to participating in the group’s sneaker drive.
“I’ll contribute if I find some old shoes or some shoes that don’t fit me anymore,” Chen said.
“I think people whose feet are still growing could contribute a lot, too, because they are always getting new shoes. I think it’s all a great idea.”
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