WEEHAWKEN AND BEYOND -- “I want to keep the environment clean and reduce the carbon footprint of our nation, which is larger than all the others in the world,” said 12-year-old Tige Anderson from Hoboken’s Mustard Seed School. He and his 11-year-old classmate Owen Possic of Weehawken have taken the task on literally.

They plan to donate the sneakers they collect to Nike’s Reuse-A-Shoe drive, which takes sneaker donations and turns them into materials used for playgrounds, basketball courts, running tracks, and more.

So far they have collected around 350 pairs, but their goal is to collect 500. They technically have until Tuesday, Feb. 28; but Owen’s mom, Cathy Villa-Possic, plans to mail the donations the following Friday (Nike will “foot” the shipping bill).

Owen and Tige urge the community to continue to donate to their cause. They request athletic shoes only, but not damp, muddy, or containing cleats. Any brand is okay, but please no dress shoes, sandals, or flip-flops.

Those who wish to donate may drop them off at Weehawken Town Hall at 400 Park Ave., Hoboken City Hall at 94 Washington St., or at the Mustard Seed School at 422 Willow Ave. Hours for Town Halls: between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.; Mustard Seed School when it reopens on Monday, Feb. 27 between 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. They may also call (201) 668-2989 for pickup.

For more details on Owen and Tige's quest, watch a future edition of the Reporter. --Gennarose Pope