How to Host an End of Year School Fundraiser That’s Easy and Eco-Friendly
If you’re searching for an end of year school fundraiser that’s easy to run, requires no upfront cost, and makes a real impact, both financially and environmentally, then a GotSneakers sneaker drive is the perfect solution!
The final months of the school year are packed with field days, graduation ceremonies, and school celebrations. These events are great opportunities to rally families around one last fundraiser before summer. Instead of selling candy or gift wrap, what if you could raise money by simply collecting something most families already have at home?
That’s the power of a GotSneakers sneaker drive—a simple, sustainable, and cost-free way to raise funds and reduce waste at the same time.
Why Choose a Sneaker Drive as Your End of Year School Fundraiser?
As the school year comes to a close, parents and students are cleaning out closets, preparing for summer camps, or moving up to a new school level. That makes old sneakers the perfect fundraising opportunity.
Here’s why a GotSneakers fundraiser is ideal in May or June:
- No selling, no stress – Families can participate without spending money
- Quick to organize – Perfect for the tight end-of-year calendar
- Teaches sustainability – Reinforces eco-conscious values in students
- Boosts engagement – Ties into school events, celebrations, and transitions
Whether you’re raising money for a field trip, classroom upgrades, or teacher appreciation gifts, GotSneakers makes it incredibly easy to finish the year strong.
What Is GotSneakers?
GotSneakers is a sneaker recycling organization that pays schools, nonprofits, and individuals for collecting used athletic shoes. The shoes are either reused or responsibly recycled, keeping them out of landfills and generating cash for your cause.
It’s a win-win: families get to declutter and feel good, your school raises money, and the environment benefits.
How a GotSneakers Fundraiser Works
Running a GotSneakers drive takes just a few simple steps:
- Sign up online – Visit gotsneakers.com to create your free account.
- Get your materials – You’ll receive collection bags, shipping labels, and promotional tools.
- Spread the word – Promote the drive through flyers, emails, and social media.
- Collect sneakers – Families bring in worn athletic shoes at school events or via drop-off bins.
- Ship them for free – Use pre-paid UPS labels to send your collection to GotSneakers.
- Get paid – Receive a check based on the condition of the sneakers:
- Excellent: up to $7/pair
- Good: $2/pair
- Fair: $1/pair
- Recyclable: $0 (still counted toward sustainability impact)
Creative Ways to Tie Your Sneaker Drive Into End-of-Year Activities
End-of-year events offer built-in visibility and traffic—perfect conditions for a final fundraising push. Here’s how to seamlessly integrate a GotSneakers drive:
1. Field Day Fundraiser
Set up a sneaker collection bin near the check-in or concession area. Use signage like, “Drop a pair, fund a field trip!”
2. Graduation Send-Off
Encourage graduating students to donate sneakers they’ve outgrown or no longer need. Include it in senior week events or moving-up ceremonies.
3. Spring Concerts or Awards Nights
Add a donation station outside the auditorium or gym. Parents attending performances can easily bring shoes to contribute.
4. Classroom Competitions
Host a friendly contest between classrooms or grade levels. The class that donates the most sneakers wins a prize or pizza party.
5. Locker Clean-Out Day
As students empty lockers, encourage them to bring any extra sneakers from gym class or sports season straight to the collection bin.
Promotion Tips to Maximize Participation
To make your end of year school fundraiser successful, communication is key. Here are some low-effort, high-impact ways to spread the word:
- Send an email blast to parents with the collection dates and drop-off instructions
- Include a flyer in student take-home folders
- Use morning announcements or school-wide newsletters to build momentum
- Create social media graphics (GotSneakers provides templates) and post reminders
- Ask teachers to mention it in class and offer bonus points or certificates for participation
If you promote the fundraiser consistently in the final 2–3 weeks of school, you’ll see strong results.
Why It’s Better Than Traditional End-of-Year Fundraisers
Let’s be honest—selling gift wrap or cookie dough in May isn’t ideal. Parents are burned out, volunteers are scarce, and nobody wants to store leftover product during summer.
By contrast, GotSneakers offers:
- No upfront cost
- No product delivery logistics
- No financial burden for families
- No volunteer overload
Plus, it’s eco-conscious and meaningful—two things today’s school communities care about deeply.
Tie the Fundraiser Into Environmental Education
One bonus of a GotSneakers fundraiser is that it can double as a sustainability teaching moment. You can easily integrate it into your curriculum or events with:
- A short assembly or classroom lesson about recycling and landfill waste
- Posters or infographics around the school explaining where donated sneakers go
- A video or slideshow showing how sneakers are repurposed globally
- Student-led presentations during end-of-year events
This makes your fundraiser more than just a cash generator—it becomes a community impact project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long should the fundraiser run?
A: 2–3 weeks is usually perfect for an end-of-year sneaker drive, especially when paired with key events.
Q: What types of shoes are accepted?
A: Athletic sneakers only. No boots, sandals, dress shoes, or cleats.
Q: How do we ship the sneakers?
A: GotSneakers provides free UPS shipping labels and instructions.
Q: How do we get paid?
A: You’ll receive a check or direct deposit based on the quantity and quality of sneakers collected.
Start Planning Your End of Year School Fundraiser Today
It’s not too late to organize a successful, stress-free end of year school fundraiser. With GotSneakers, you can raise money, make a difference, and wrap up the school year on a high note without asking families to buy anything.
Whether you’re funding field trips, classroom resources, or end-of-year celebrations, a sneaker drive is an effortless way to reach your goal.
Get started today with GotSneakers and give your school a fundraiser that families, teachers, and students can all feel good about.