Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) North Island Sailors and Marines have been participating in a fundraising program since December 2016 designed to provide shoes to underprivileged individuals in developing countries.

The Shoes With Heart fundraising campaign, an organization through which donated shoes are purchased by the company and distributed to micro-entrepreneurs in 25 developing nations for resale, can be used as a fundraiser for nonprofits, schools, churches, and other organizations.

According to CNATTU North Island Aviation Structural Mechanic Leading Petty Officer, Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st Class Anthony Breidenbaugh, the Shoes with Heart fundraising effort was an opportunity to help to those in need.

"While it was a way to raise funds for our MWR (Morale, Welfare and Recreation), it was a great opportunity for us as an organization to give back to the greater world community," he said.

CNATTU North Island service members have donated more than 300 pairs of gently-used and new shoes through collection bins placed near each learning site's quarterdeck. According to Breidenbaugh, the collected footwear is in to Shoes with Heart, which then provides monetary compensation for CNATTU North Island's efforts. He said money received is turned in to the CNATTU North Island's MWR.

"This is a win-win for everyone," Breidenbaugh said. "For every pair of shoes donated, the [MWR] committee is given a small monetary donation by the Shoes with Heart campaign. That money will be used to support numerous events such as family picnics, free cookouts supporting CNATTU NI's students, and for holiday parties."

"Instead of throwing away a pair of shoes which still have some life left, donating them to an organization which is helping developing countries is a viable option," he said. "As instructors, we try to teach our students not only to be great air framers, but to be great Sailors and citizens, as well."

CNATTU North Island is a training unit of the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training located at Naval Air Station Pensacola. CNATT develops, delivers, and supports aviation technical training at 27 sites located throughout the continental United States and Japan.

CNATT is a technical training agent for the Naval Aviation Enterprise; an organization designed to advance and sustain naval aviation warfighting capabilities at an affordable cost, and is the largest training center under Naval Education and Training Command.

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