Cade Franklin’s first Soles for Souls Shoe Drive began back in 2013, through his former teacher, Tanya Carder, at North Ridge Elementary. She encouraged his Gifted and Talented class to think of a way to help people in need. Franklin immediately thought what better way to help than by collecting shoes for people in the Lubbock area. That is where Soles for Souls was born.  

Franklin started by putting donation boxes at various businesses around the Lubbock area, explaining the meaning behind the project and why it is important to him. From there, the shoe donations exploded, and boxes were overflowing with new and gently used shoes from the community.  

After picking up the boxes, he sorts through the shoes, matching up every pair and organizing them by size. This is usually a very time-consuming process making sure that all the children's, adult’s, men’s, and women's shoes are grouped together.  

“My favorite part about my annual shoe drive is picking up and sorting out all the different types of shoes. It is a blessing to be able to see how each and every location contributes and how the donations come in all sorts of different shapes and sizes,” said Franklin. 

Once the shoes are organized and grouped together, Franklin donates every pair of shoes to the Lubbock Dream Center, a local non-profit and ministry. He chose to donate to the Lubbock Dream Center because of their mission of catering to a low socioeconomic part of Lubbock and houseless community members. 

“Since I started donating there, I have heard countless stories of the impact that the Lubbock Dream Center has had on the lives of so many people, helping them not only with physical needs (such as clothing and shoes), but also helping in all aspects of life,” said Franklin. 

Franklin feels grateful that his former Gifted and Talented teacher, Tanya Carder, sparked this idea several years ago. He believes that the impact she has had on his life has shaped him into the young man he is today. 

“Being in the GT program at North Ridge Elementary allowed me to be a part of a group of students who had a place to use our skills, abilities, and talents through a specialized curriculum,” said Franklin. “This curriculum challenged our thinking in ways traditional classroom study didn't. Our teacher, Tanya Carder, always encouraged us to be mindful, think critically, and problem solve while considering a bigger picture. She challenged us to see the world in a unique way while discovering innovative ways to solve problems. For me, having empathy and finding solutions to serve others through my gifts and talents developed largely because of Mrs. Carder's mentorship.” 

Franklin’s Soles for Souls Shoe Drive runs until December 22, 2023. You can donate new and gently used shoes to any of the Lubbock Libraries: Groves Library, Godeke Library, George and Helen Mahon Library, and TJ Patterson Library. There is also a donation box located in the Wolfforth Library and Frenship’s Casey Administration Building.   

Main Event supports the shoe drive by rewarding those who donate shoes at that location.  Starting tomorrow, December 16, Main Event will give a free 30-minute play card to everyone who drops off shoes. There is a donation box located at the front of the building to leave shoes to be redeemed for a card.

Franklin can’t believe what started as a class project has turned into an annual fundraiser impacting the lives of countless community members. 

“I can't say my 8-year-old self imagined how this project would ultimately grow. I had the encouragement and support of others along the way to keep this initiative going,” said Franklin. “In the beginning one of those encouragers was a young man at Mission Lubbock, the place I took the donations the first few years. He looked me in the eye, commented on the difference I was making, and gave me a cross from around his neck.” 

Now through the Lubbock Dream Center Franklin has found continuous support and gratitude for the yearly donations. Having support and encouragement from others is what helps fund this philography project.  

“Now years later, it is the pastor at the Dream Center who always prays for me and for those who will be blessed as I leave the shoes,” said Franklin. “There are also family and friends who look forward to and support my efforts year after year. I've never thought this project was an unrealistic one-time idea. We all have something we can give, even if it isn't monetary. There will always be someone in need, even if it is of our time, a smile, or a word of encouragement.” 

Franklin wants to invite the community to search through their closets for any new or gently used shoes. 

“It is my hope and prayer that this holiday season you would consider donating a pair of shoes that you no longer wear to the shoe drive. Your used shoes will go a long way,” said Franklin. 

Awesome job, Cade Franklin! Way to live out the Frenship SERVE Model.