Friends of the Desert Mountains Launch Valley-Wide Shoe Drive to Support Trails and Education Programs

A community-wide shoe drive is underway across the Coachella Valley, aiming to help people in need while also supporting local outdoor education and trail maintenance.

Friends of the Desert Mountains has teamed up with city governments and local businesses to collect gently used and new shoes now through March 31. Organizers say everything from sandals to snow boots is welcome, as long as the shoes are still wearable.

Collected footwear will be sent to Funds2Orgs, which compensates Friends of the Desert Mountains for the donations. Those funds will then be reinvested locally to help maintain hiking trails and support the organization’s educational programs throughout the desert region.

Drop-off locations are available at nine sites across the Coachella Valley, including the Friends of the Desert Mountains office near Highway 74. Organizers say additional drop-off spots are expected to be added as the drive continues.

The effort provides a dual benefit: giving gently used shoes a second life while creating financial support for conservation work and community education. Friends of the Desert Mountains oversees several protected desert areas and works year-round to promote outdoor access, environmental stewardship, and learning opportunities for residents and visitors.

Community members are encouraged to clean out their closets and participate before the drive wraps up at the end of March.

Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.