Vermillion, S.D. - The University of South Dakota Student-Athlete Advisory Committee will host a "Share Your Sole" shoe drive during the Coyote basketball doubleheader against Utah Valley on Feb. 18. SAAC will donate to the Cheyenne River Youth Project which benefits the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation. Tip off for the women's game is at 6 p.m. with the men's contest starting at 8 p.m.

"This event is a way to give back that no one really thinks about," SAAC President Danielle Dornbusch said. "A lot of people have things, especially shoes, that they no longer use and they just pile up. The shoe drive is a means to give back that doesn't require a lot of time or thought. It's a great way to provide for those that are less fortunate than us."

Located in north central South Dakota, the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation regularly ranks as one of the poorest regions in the United States. Counties inside the borders of the reservation place in the bottom one percent economically of the 3,142 counties in the U.S., including Ziebach County which ranked as the fourth poorest in the nation according to the 2000 census. With a majority of the population under the age of 18, many people live below the poverty line.

"Last winter, a group of USD students were helping out on the reservation and they saw many individuals were wandering around with only socks," Dornbusch said. "If they were lucky there were no holes in them. When asked why no one wore shoes, the reply was they have none."

Fans are encouraged to bring shoes of all kinds in any condition. New or gently used shoes from boots to dress shoes to tennis shoes will be accepted.

SAAC is a group that serves as the Coyotes' voice for a variety of issues. Comprised of representatives from each team, the group meets biweekly to discuss issues and collaborate on events including community services projects.