Latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Midlands

West Columbia, SC (WACH) - On a chilly Tuesday morning Glenforest School Athletics Director William Knopf ditched his kicks to raise awareness for a non-profit organization that supplies shoes to needy children around the world.

"I thought this would be a great opportunity for me as a high school basketball coach to serve this mission on a high school level, and hopefully convince others to do so as well," said Knopf.

Inspired by IUPUI Coach Ron Hunter, Knopf has been coaching barefooted for over a year. Now he is trying to find more creative ways to drum up support for donations. Knopf said he won’t stop until he reaches his goal of 300-pairs of shoes.

Last year with the help of the community, Knopf helped donate over 200-shoes to children in need.

"Shoes on or not I coach basketball, we are just trying to make other people aware of the other children around the world," said Knopf.     

At Tuesday morning’s shoe drive Knopf said he received 62-pairs of shoes.