NORFOLK, Neb. -- A northeast Nebraska museum is collecting shoes and raising money to help support its programming and help small businesses in developing countries. 

Elkhorn Valley Museum in Norfolk is conducting a shoe drive beginning April 1st and ending May 25th to raise funds for education programming and events. EVM will earn funds based on the total weight of the pairs of shoes collected, as Funds2Orgs will issue a check for the collected shoes.

Those dollars will serve to benefit the museum's program offerings. Anyone can donate gently worn, used and new shoes at EVM.

Collection bins will also be located at Brown’s Shoe Fit and McMill CPAs and Advisors. All donated shoes will then be redistributed throughout the Funds2Orgs network of small-business partners. Funds2Orgs works with micro-entrepreneurs in helping them create, maintain and grow small businesses in developing countries where economic opportunity and jobs are limited.

Proceeds from the sales of the shoes collected in shoe drive fundraisers are used to feed, clothe and house their families.

"We are excited about our shoe drive," said Libby McKay, Executive Director. "Many people may have extra shoes in their closets that the kiddos have outgrown or that they purchased for an event that they would like to donate to us. By doing so, we raise money and we have the chance to help families in developing nations who need economic opportunities. It's a win-win for everyone.”

EVM will also host a shoe donation drive through event on April 23rd from 12-4. Members of the community can pull up, pop the trunk and volunteers will collect the shoes.