Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico - Did you know that right here in our own community there are children walking around barefoot, risking their health and safety because they simply have no shoes?

Students in Miss Wilson's Senior Marketing class at the American School of Puerto Vallarta (ASPV), with the help of Santiago and Daniel Matilla, have created a community initiative to collect 500 pairs of new or "gently used" shoes for children of Puerto Vallarta in need. Many of these families cannot afford to buy a $20 peso pair of flip flops and face difficulties trying to find employment. The ASPV students want to help these children by giving them the ability to walk where they please with dignity!

Please Share your "Soles"

Long before the class began marketing this cause, a wonderful lady named Cheryl Schrean started a local organization here in Puerto Vallarta, called "Cheryl's Shoebox." Throughout the years, Cheryl became quite a legend in her own right.

Through her tireless, unwavering dedication to children she brought love, life and laughter to needy children and to those of us who knew her. Cheryl approached her charity with dedication, tenacity and strength, however, sadly these admirable qualities were not enough to keep her with us today.

Cheryl recently passed away, leaving her charity somewhat displaced. "Cheryl's Shoe Box" resources have depleted and we are currently left with $50 pesos and 50 pairs of older shoes. Through the efforts of Cheryl's loyal supporters, PV Dive, Pam Thompson, Mike, Sue, and Drew, the marketing class at ASPV hopes to have this worthy cause up and running again.

Cheryl's supporters really need your help to reach their goal and ask you to donate new or gently used shoes. They will accept any size of any shoe, but all weather is preferred. There are shoe drop off boxes at the ASPV high school and primary school offices, at Pamela Thompson's office at Amerimed Hospital across from Plaza Marina, and at Mailboxes Etc. on the South side of Puerto Vallarta.

Note: New inexpensive shoes can be purchased for as little as $20 pesos. Please do not purchase expensive shoes as the money could be used to buy more for less.

For more information, please visit the Cheryl's Shoe Box website, and "share" on your Facebook page to help spread the word.