Franklin said he was inspired to start his drive while in Mrs. Carder’s Gifted and Talented class at North Ridge when talking about people in need and ways he could help.

He and his friend, Charlie Pitner, both decided they wanted to start drives to collect shoes and coats for people in need during the holiday season. Pitner started Charlies Kids-4-Kids Coat Drive around the same time Franklin started Soles for Souls.

"As a third grader, I never imagined that an idea I had from a discussion in my GT class would become something that has grown and continued," Franklin said. "It makes me feel happy and proud that people in our community want to continue to help others."

Franklin said he has always believed that stepping up in this way is the most important part of the holiday season. 

"Anything, even if it is small, can provide hope and make a difference in someone's life," Franklin said. "I hope what I'm doing inspires someone, no matter their age, to find a way help others in their community."

Franklin has donation boxes set up around the Lubbock community to make it easier to donate:

Casey Administration Building, 501 7th Street Wolfforth, TX 79382 

First Bank and Trust

-6501 19th Street, Lubbock, TX 79407

-702 Donald Preston Drive, Wolfforth, TX 79382 

-6502 Slide Rd, Lubbock, TX 79424

Chick-Fil-A, 5705 4th St, Lubbock, TX, 79416

"I appreciate the generosity and kindness of the people who donate money and shoes to Soles for Souls," Franklin said. "You are helping make a difference in someone's life!"