"Did you know that just donating a shoe could save a life?" Martin Kumi posed this question to the AVID students while visiting Conyers Middle School on October 16. Kumi, founder of Barnabas International Project, spoke about the hardships of his native country of Ghana, Africa, informing students that many children walk at least 10 miles to school along roads paved with stones and jagged rocks, which tear into the soles of the children's feet. In turn, the children develop cuts and sores that go untreated because the parents do not have money to pay for medical care. Kumi said that many of the children end up with deformities, or in more severe cases, the limb must be amputated to prevent the spread of infection.

When Kumi asked, "Who would like to make a difference?" Who would like to donate a shoe to save a life?" Every hand went up. Many of the students were brought to tears. The CMS AVID Family Soles for Souls Shoe Drive was launched. They have already filled two barrels.

They will continue collecting shoes until Nov. 15. The Conyers Middle School community may drop off new or gently used, comfortable shoes in all sizes in the school's Parent Center, or in Diron Ford's AVID classroom.

"Soles for Souls" barrels have been set up in both locations. Kumi will collect all shoes weekly and return to Africa before the holidays to present waiting children with the gift of life - a pair of shoes.