United States Basketball Association to host local sneaker/shoe drive

Flickr User: Lenny W.

The United States Basketball Association (USBA), North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce, North Myrtle Beach Parks and Recreation Department, and North Strand Helping Hand are partnering to collect gently-used sneakers and shoes.

The program was initiated by the USBA to give back to the North Myrtle Beach community for their warm hospitality extended during the three-week long event. North Strand Helping Hand, a United Way of Horry County agency, will oversee the distribution of the shoes to members of the community who are in need.

“We are thrilled to have this opportunity to partner with the USBA and the other local agencies to collect gently-used sneakers and shoes for our neighbors in need,” said Margaret Owens, executive director of North Strand Helping Hand. 

The USBA will donate gently-used sneakers and shoes collected during its regional and state tournaments prior to coming to North Myrtle Beach. The North Myrtle Beach community is also encouraged to clean out their closets and donate any unneeded or unloved sneakers and shoes, both children and adults, to this worthy cause at the following drop off locations:


  • The North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce  office at 1521 Highway 17 South
  • Tropicasual Furniture at 3610 Highway 17 South
  • Anderson Brothers Bank at 1799 Highway 17

The sneakers and shoes can be dropped off during the businesses’ hours any time between May 14 and June 15, 2012.

The shoes will be distributed at the J. Bryan Floyd Community Center on Possum Trot Road in North Myrtle Beach on one day each of the three weeks during the United States Basketball Association National Championships in June and July.  North Strand Helping Hand will set the criteria for eligibility for receiving shoes and they will distribute them by appointment only.