Flip Flops For Haiti

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

Katzbach's goal is to collect 2000 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.

Pam Hazelton, an LPN at the Cleveland Clinic in Lakewood, learned of the effort and is supporting the cause by providing a collection box at the Cleveland Clinic Lakewood office located at 16215 Madison Ave (on the corner of Madison Avenue and Woodward).

Residents and organizations who wish to donate at this location may drop off flip flops between the hours of 8am-8pm Monday through Thursday; 8am-5pm Friday and 8am-noon Saturday.

Other locations where donations are being accepted include Peppi’s Pizza at 26569 Center Ridge Road in Westlake; 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 30th, 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.