Have several pairs of old sneakers in your closet that are collecting dust? Don't throw them away - recycle them by dropping them off at Zachary Elementary School, 3735 Hemlock St.

Zachary Elementary School students have taken on an Earth Day (April 22) challenge and need the help of the Zachary community.

ZES has partnered with Nike’s Reuse-a-Shoe campaign in an effort to reduce the number of athletic shoes that find their way into landfills. Shoes can take decades to decompose, so these students felt the need to keep them out of the trash cans and turn them into something useful.

Nike recycles every part of the athletic shoe into a Nike Grind material, which is then used to line athletic surfaces, such as playgrounds and tracks. They offer a program that donates these sport surfaces to disadvantaged communities around the world.

It is an environmentally friendly solution to a growing problem and a way for these students to help make a difference outside of their community.

The students have set a goal of collecting 500 pairs of sneakers or tennis/athletic shoes. Mrs. Noel and Ms. Scott’s third-grade classes will be counting the shoes daily, and you can help them reach their goal.

Labeled drop-off bins will be stationed outside of the main ZES office from April 23-27.

The students - and Nike - will accept athletic shoes of any brand for recycling as long as they are not muddy and do not contain cleats or spikes, as they represent a safety hazard when ground into Nike Grind.

Flip flops, sandals, dress shoes, heels, boots and other types of shoes are NOT accepted.

Please visit www.nikereuseashoe.com for more details.