Plainfield Teen Collects Shoes to Help the Needy

Thirteen-year-old Leah O'Brien of Plainfield wants to change the lives of children across the globe — one pair of shoes at a time.

The teen is teaming up with a charity called Shoes for Orphan Souls to collect new shoes for those who desperately need them. She is calling on area residents to help her by donating new pairs of of shoes to the cause.

While a simple pair of shoes may not seem like much to most Americans, they can make a big difference in the lives of vulnerable children and orphans around the world, allowing kids to get to school to get the education they need. They also combat diseases like hookworm and tetanus, which can enter the body through the feet.

 “I felt bad for the kids whose feet were sore," Leah said when asked why she decided to start her shoe drive. "They are walking on broken glass with bare feet. No one should have to go through life like that especially when it is not their fault. ... These kids can’t go to school because they don’t have shoes, so they won’t be able to get a job. Then their kids will grow through the same thing and it will go on and on,” she said.

Plainfield-area residents can drop off donations at two locations now through Sept. 30:

• Back on the Rack, 24038 W. Lockport St. will accept donations from 10 a.m. to 6 pm. Tuesday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
• Crosswinds Church, 14360 S. Route 59, is accepting donations from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays and 9 a.m. to noon Sundays