Souls4Soles: MHS Student Helps Those in Need

Emma Hall, a senior at Memorial High, has a passion for helping the underprivileged. Her most recent project is participating in an organization called Soles4Souls, a charity formed in 2006 to collect and distribute shoes to those in need around the world. Souls4Soles was founded as a nonprofit disaster relief organization after The Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Since then they have given away 26 million pairs of shoes in 127 countries and all 50 states. Children are kept from school and adults are unable to go to work because walking is unbearable without shoes.

Emma’s enthusiasm to help these people in need is inspiring so I asked her about her cause. 

How did you become involved in Soles4Souls?
Emma: I learned about Soles4Souls after my mother attended a conference for work and had the opportunity to hear about the organization from their president and CEO, Buddy Teaster. She shared a video with me that described their mission, to fight poverty through the collection and distribution of shoes and clothing, and instantly I was  inspired to help the cause. 

Why does this organization appeal to you? 
Emma: I had been looking for something where I could make a difference with something I felt passionate about and Soles4Souls was it. When you watch one of their videos it is impossibly not to feel moved. 

How do you feel knowing you are impacting less fortunate people on a global scale? 
Emma: We are so blessed, much of which we take for granted, and by simply donating shoes we can change lives. What an incredible impact we can make. 

You can find more about Soles4Souls at www.soles4souls.org. Find drop off locations on the website. Join Emma in her goal of collecting and donating 1,000 pairs of shoes for Soles4Souls!