At only 11-years-old, Emily Inch, from Charlotte, North Carolina, has always had a passion for helping those less fortunate than her.
"I always wanted to give my toys and my clothing away to people that needed it." she told Hooplaha.
As she grew older, she realised that not every child had basic clothes or shoes needed for the changing seasons.
She was shocked to discover that 4,400 children attending school in her hometown were homeless, so she decided to do something about it.
Enlisting the help of her friend, Abby Pierce, they began Soles for Kids, collecting new or gently used shoes for homeless children.
Following the success of the shoe drive, the determined Emily applied for a $500 grant with Youth Service America and Disney Summer of Service program.
Being awarded the grant, she cleared out the shoe departments of two Walmarts.
With the goal of donating 1,000 pairs of shoes to underprivileged and homeless children, Emily and Abby embarked on a 6 week campaign. They promoted Soles for Kids in schools, with flyers, social media and local businesses.
Partnered with with Verizon, a wifi company and local hockey team the Charlotte Checkers, they doubled their target.
The girls gathered 1,898 pairs, providing shoes to almost half of the homeless youth population in Charlotte.
When asked about her efforts, Emily hoped that it would encourage other children to start their own community projects.
"I want to help more kids get out there, start their own projects, and inspire more kids at an early age."
The girls aren't done yet. In a recent Facebook post, they expressed that they wanted to reach a goal of 4,000 shoes by the 1st of April 2018.
They also have a Gofundme page, using all donations raised towards purchasing shoes.
What incredible young ladies!
