Haitian Relief: Total Learning Centers Joins Pittsburgh's Got Sole for Massive Shoe Drive

Online, January 20, 2010 (Newswire.com) - At Total Learning Centers (TLC), even kids have a chance to contribute to the Haitian relief efforts. TLC's Executive Director Dr. Carol Utay has agreed to team up with Pittsburgh's Got Sole, a consortium of Pittsburghers who are working jointly with Soles4Souls to launch the biggest shoe drive in Pittsburgh history.

TLC just agreed to be the first business location for the Pittsburgh's Got Sole donation boxes. The boxes will be in place by the end of the week at all four of TLC's Pittsburgh-area locations. The brain-based learning center will encourage all of its kids to get involved as much as they can, not only bringing in their own shoes, but perhaps doing their own mini-drives as well, collecting from friends, relatives and classmates.

"We wanted to figure out a way that our students and families could participate in the Haitian relief efforts," said Dr. Utay. "Collecting and donating shoes is definitely something they can do, and it empowers them as individuals when they realize the impact their contributions can make."

The shoe drive will run from January 25 through February.

Pittsburgh's Got Sole is still organizing additional area businesses and nonprofits for the massive shoe drive. Pittsburgh's Got Sole Founder Sandy Burkett, owner and president of Vital Signs, reached out to many of her business contacts to generate interest for the project. In turn, Dr. Utay asked her business contacts to sign on as participants, and STORExpress agreed to place donation boxes at its six locations and advertise on its electronic signs. All involved hope that the generosity will continue, and more businesses and community organizations will step up and help in the shoe drive.

"We are happy TLC can use its business and community ties to aid in this project. The people of Haiti need our help, and we all need to do our part," Dr. Utay said.

Pittsburgh's Got Sole will be sending the shoes to the Soles4Souls' warehouse in Alabama. For more information on the group, visit www.PittsburghsGotSole.com

About Total Learning Centers LLC
Total Learning Centers, based outside of Pittsburgh, Pa., in Wexford, is a locally owned and operated academic, brain-based learning facility. With additional locations in Fox Chapel, Murrysville and the South Hills, TLC offers one-on-one tutoring and other individualized services in an open, child-friendly environment for clients ages 5 through adult. Founded in 1999 by Drs. Joe and Carol Utay, TLC uncovers the underlying real issues then prepares each student today for success tomorrow through direct, intensive, research-based methods to ensure significant gains in reading, writing, math, attention, processing, memory and more. For more information, call (724) 940-1090 or visit www.TotalLearningCenters.com
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