One of Western’s newest clubs is collecting shoes to send to children overseas.

The Rotaract Club partnered up with the Greek community and athletics committee for its first project. Members will be collecting shoes that will be sent to Africa, according to a Western press release.

The club is aimed at providing students with leadership opportunities and experiences, Rotary Liaison Rachelle Phillips said. Phillips is a graduate student from Princeton.

Members had their first meeting last week, according to the press release.

One of the main premises of the club is community service and involvement, Service-Learning Coordinator Cheryl Kirby-Stokes said.

She said at least one service project is mandatory each semester.

Rotaract President Kayla Shelton, a junior from Gallatin, Tenn., said members wanted to do something that would be able to help a lot of people for the club’s first project.

She said a lot of children in Africa are in need of shoes, so this was a great idea for the club’s first project.

Kirby-Stokes said club members will meet next semester and decide what their project will be.

“We’re enthusiastic about the work that we’re about to be doing,” she said.

The Bowling Green Rotary Club was instrumental in helping start the club on Western’s campus, Phillips said.

“It’s a great club that helps students establish business and leadership skills and community involvement,” Phillips said.

Kirby-Stokes said the Rotaract Club will help foster team building and leadership qualities.

She said the club will offer students the opportunity to network with the professional community in Warren County.

“This club will invite students to come to rotary club meetings and allow them to meet with doctors and businessmen from around the community,” she said.

Shelton said the club will help students to be more comfortable in Bowling Green.

“It’s a good way for students to make connections in the Bowling Green community,” she said.