STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – For the 30th anniversary of Nike's "Just Do It" campaign, the company added a new face to its ads, which has sparked controversy on social media.
The ads features former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who's known for kneeling during the playing of the national anthem.
It was just revealed this week that Kaepernick has been under contract with Nike for years. But this latest ad campaign has a lot of people -- and now some local nonprofits -- speaking out.
"Five pairs of shoes in there, all going to let them burn," said one man in a viral video.
In post after post after post, tons of people on social media are burning clothes and shoes to protest Nike.
"It just seems to us really wasteful, regardless of the social commentary, just incredibly wasteful just to get rid of something that someone else needs," Rev. Greg Milinovich said.
The boycott of Nike products is in response to the company's campaign with Kaepernick.
"Because Nike decided to make Colin Kaepernick their ambassador," a man said in a Facebook video, explaining why he is boycotting the company.
The campaign flyer reads, "Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything."
"I understand both causes to it,” said Penn State student Colin Read. “I can see how you can say against the police brutality and all that,. I can completely understand where he's coming from and where the other side is coming from. However, I feel like it’s kind of getting blown out of proportion."
On Wednesday, local shelters and churches spoke out about the response to the ad campaign.
"Hey, don’t get rid of your good shoes,” the Rev. Greg Milinovich said. “We'll take them and we'll get them to people who can use them. There's plenty of people in our community who can use a good pair of shoes."
Milinovich said Saint Paul's Church has a shoe bank and you'd be surprised at how many local people could benefit from a pair of shoes.
"For those of us who maybe have a closet full of shoes, we don’t think about it, but if you only have one pair, you go through those pretty quickly. So, we often have folks in here looking for another pair."
Meanwhile, in State College, the ad campaign hasn't stopped many from buying Nike products.
"Yes, we have seen customers still coming in here and buying Nike products," Eileen Wu, the assistant manager of the Family Clothesline store, said.
"I'm buying a Penn State pullover,” Read said. “Nike just wants to support the justice of all people rather than tear down America."
Saint Paul's Church is open for donations.
You can donate your shoes there anytime and those in need can walk in and pick up shoes when needed. The shoe bank is typically open every Saturday morning from 9 a.m. to noon, and no appointment is needed. You can contact the church directly at shoebank@stpaulsc.org.
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