Wyoming couple paying for adoption with shoes

A couple from Gillette is trying to collect 25,000 used pairs of shoes by the end of August. Once that goal is met, Shoes With Heart, a Florida-based organization, will pick them up in exchange for $10,000 to go toward adopting the couple’s first child.

Mikelle and Josh Schmit have tried just short of everything when it comes to fundraising for their upcoming adoption, which could cost in the neighborhood of $50,000.

The Schmits’ garage has became a shoe warehouse in the process. So far, they have around 17,000 pairs of shoes and are getting close to what, at first, seemed like an impossible goal.

Michelle Bucholz, a friend of the Schmits who lives in Ekalaka, is trying to help them reach their goal.

Any locals who wish to donate used shoes can do so until August 20th when they will be picked up and taken back to Gillette.

During the Days of ‘85, drop off locations for shoes for the Schmits will be set up at Carter County Museum, outside Ekalaka Public Library and at the Events Center.