The Poplarville Rotary Club will once again hold their annual shoe drive for the nationwide campaign, “Shoes for Orphan Souls.”

The Rotary Club is teaming up with Buckner International for the annual shoe drive and is seeking to collect more than 250,000 pairs of new shoes, socks and shoestrings nationwide.

Since 1999, Bruckner has sent more than 2.2 million pairs of new shoes to vulnerable children in 74 countries around the globe, including the United States.

Bob Palmer of the Rotary Club of Poplarville said, “We hope that with the support of area churches, retailers and civic groups, we can help Bruckner reach their goal and make this life better for children.”

“Shoes for Orphan Souls” is the largest humanitarian aid project of Buckner International, a global Christian organization that seeks to make life better for orphans, vulnerable children and families.

Buckner provides an array of services to meet the needs of children and families, including humanitarian aid support, volunteer mission opportunities, community enrichment programs, foster care and adoption services, and support programs for children living in other countries.

Donated items should be for children and teens and due to customs regulations, shoes and socks need to be brand new. For those preferring to make a cash donation, $25 will buy a new pair of shoes and cover distribution costs.

Collection boxes are located at: Poplarville Insurance at 1403 S. Main St., First National Bank of Poplarville at 1720 S. Main St., Bank Plus at 105 S. Main St. and Hancock Bank at 602 S. Main St.

The shoe drive ends March 30.

For information, posters and brochures, contact Bob Palmer at 601-795-4861 or 601-795-5900.