FRANKLIN PARISH, La. (RFD-TV) — A Louisiana high school senior is proving that you are never too young to leave a footprint on your community. Eli Rogers is collecting shoes for his 4-H project. This service project will not only help families in need around the world but also help folks in Franklin Parish, Louisiana.
It started as a simple service project for 4-H — collect some shoes, help a few people. But for Franklin Parish High School senior Eli Rogers, it’s turned into something much bigger. Last year, he collected more than 3,000 pairs of shoes. This year, he is hoping to do that and more.
Eli is partnering with Funds2Orgs, a for-profit organization that takes donated shoes and sends them to developing countries, giving small business owners there a chance to earn a living by reselling them.
“If we get our goal of 100 bags of 25 pairs, Funds2Orgs will come pick them up and send them off to developing countries,” Rogers explained.
Every bag of shoes Eli collects helps change lives across the globe. The organization also returns a portion of its proceeds to Franklin Parish.
“It brings the community together for a good cause, to kids like in Haiti, and we get funds from Funds2Orgs, and last year the money went to scholarships, Baskin Blessing Box, and a whole new bed for a family,” said Franklin Parish 4-H Extension Agent Hannah Craddock.
Even young Johan is learning the meaning of service and giving back to his community. Rogers says 4-H has allowed him to walk out his faith and live his life in service to others.
“For Jesus, for the one who sent me and the one out there who needs to have a touch from Him,” Rogers said.
Gently used shoes with no holes in them are accepted at the 4-H office or at Franklin Parish High School through November 30. This is literally a mission with heart and soul.
If you are local and interested in helping Eli’s project, you can also drop off shoe donations at the Baskin Town Hall through November 30.
