Young Philanthropist Honored in Marlboro for Work With Soles4Souls

Sawyer Howard has been working hard for months, making sure people around the world get to enjoy sneakers as much as he does.

Howard, 12 of Marlboro, has collected over 4,000 pairs of shoes in the name of Soles4Souls. The organization collects shoes to give relief to the victims of abject suffering and collects used shoes to support micro-enterprise efforts to eradicate poverty.  

"I am collecting shoes for people in third world countries who don't have any, and aren't fortunate enough to have them like me," Howard said. "I collect sneakers and I have over 50 pairs...I want people to have the same thing as me."

After Hurricane Sandy, 800 pairs of those shoes went directly to local storm victims.

Howard said shoes in a third world country could be the difference between life and death. Bacteria, worms and dangerous debris entering a foot could mean medical care many can't afford.

The young philanthropist was honored at a Jan. 24 Town Council meeting, where Mayor Jon Hornik said Howard is an example for all ages.

Howard was also honored by Soles4Souls with a national video online.