SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Senior track and field student-athletes Ellie Linn and Madison Rawson recently organized a campaign to collect used running shoes for the One World Running organization.

“I realized I had a ton of shoes in my closet that I did not need or use,” said Linn. “I searched for a place to donate them and found the organization (One World Running). I suggested it to Madison and we got the team involved.”

One World Running, based in Boulder, Colo., is an international program promoting an awareness of health, fitness and nutrition by providing running shoes to those in need in the United States and around the world.

“There are people in other countries that do not have shoes,” said Linn. “The fact that we can provide these shoes is very gratifying, especially knowing how much they will be appreciated.”

The duo collected 111 pairs of shoes and over $100 in donations to help ship the shoes to Colorado.

“It is nice that we are giving other kids the opportunity that we have to go out and enjoy running like we do,” said Rawson, who will run at Mississippi next year.

One World Running also puts on 5K walk/runs to foster an environment of exercise and to increase understanding and goodwill between people.

“The amount of shoes we got was surprising,” said Rawson. “It shows what a community our team and the school is at St. Francis.”

Assistant coach and school guidance counselor Joe Poggi helped the team organize the efforts.

The St. Francis track and field team opens the spring season on March 12 against Davis.