Animal Haven of Asheville launches shoe drive for animals, global aid

A pile of worn sneakers, boots and flats could do double duty in East Asheville: help Animal Haven of Asheville care for rescued farm animals and send usable shoes to developing countries. The sanctuary has launched a 60-day drive with a goal of collecting 2,500 pairs, turning everyday closet cleanout into a fundraiser with a local payoff.

The effort kicked off with Turgua Brewery and some of the sanctuary’s farm residents, giving the campaign a visible, community feel. Director of Operations Andrea Cermele said the plan is built as a win-win: once Animal Haven reaches the 2,500-pair goal, the sanctuary earns money that goes toward animal care, while the shoes themselves are refurbished for reuse abroad.

That matters for an organization that says it receives no city, county or state funding. Animal Haven, a 501(c)(3) founded in May 2000 by Barbara Bellows and Trina Hudson, has spent more than 25 years rescuing and rehabilitating farm animals on its ten-acre East Asheville property. The nonprofit says it has been home to rescued farm animals since May 2000 and depends on private donations, fundraisers, grants, mailings and its on-site thrift store to stay afloat.

The shoe drive also comes as the sanctuary continues to rebuild after Hurricane Helene. In a recent newsletter, Animal Haven said volunteers were clearing debris, repairing fences and rebuilding a damaged access bridge. The thrift store stayed open through that recovery period, helping carry the organization through a difficult stretch. Earlier this year, the sanctuary also promoted a 25th-anniversary celebration and a fall fundraiser and silent auction to support a memorial barn honoring co-founder Barb Bellows.

Residents can donate new or gently worn shoes at Animal Haven of Asheville, 65 Lower Grassy Branch Rd., Asheville, NC 28805. The sanctuary and thrift store are listed as open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the thrift shop opening at noon on Saturdays. All proceeds from the thrift store go directly to the animals.

Animal Haven’s long record of work in Buncombe County gives the campaign extra weight. WLOS recently noted that the sanctuary has been giving neglected and injured farm animals a second chance for 26 years, a history that now meets a simple ask: clear out the closet, and help fund the next season of care in East Asheville.