“Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that”. The Briar Woods International Relations class, taught by Ms.Williams, uses these words as their inspiration. With the ongoing violence happening in the region of Darfur, students are collecting shoes to represent the 400,000 people killed in the genocide. Press coverage for Shoes on the Mall has been helpful in generating support from all over the community and world.

In the past month the school has been interviewed by NBC, highlighting the success and goals for Shoes on the Mall. The story was shown on television showcasing the drive as well as the hard working students involved in all aspects. “It was amazing being shown on television because it put us out there for support from people all over the area” said junior Lea Schild.

The Washington Times and Leesburg Today ran articles covering the shoe drive and many students of Briar Woods contributed to the articles, expressing their feelings towards the genocide and how students are capable of making a tremendous contribution. Advisor Ms. Williams, who is very passionate about this cause, believes that this shoe drive can put an everlasting impact on those who see the numerous shoes, representing innocent people killed in Darfur.

On March 27, Congressman Frank R. Wolf came to visit the International Relations class showing his full support for the drive, as well as how proud he was of the passion that the students held over this project. “It was really inspiring because Congressman Wolf has been to Darfur so many times, and he truly wanted to support us.” said junior Erin Pelletier. So far about 7,000 shoes have been collected, but with help from the media and community, there is hope that the goal of 400,000 will be met.

On April 26, 2009, the shoes will be placed at the National Mall in hope that people will realize the dark reality that is in Darfur. The shoes will then be donated to homeless shelters across the nation. With the help of press all around the Washington area, Shoes on the Mall is receiving an outpour of support.

Link to the Washington Times article:
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/mar/23/students -kick-off-darfur-shoe-drive/