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Columbia, SC (WACH)-A Midlands teen is celebrating her sweet sixteen birthday by giving gifts to needy families.

Lexi Ricard decided that instead of getting gifts for her birthday she would collect shoes for underprivilaged people through a program called Soles4Souls.

"Everyone has a party for their sixteenth birthday," said Ricard. "Why not do something different for other people instead of for yourself."

Ricard is a sophomore at Gilbert High School and an active member at Cherokee Presbyterian Church. 

When she heard about the Souls4Souls program she thought that it would be a perfect opportunity to do something good for others.

"I know adults need shoes too but to be a kid and your feet are so tender." Said Ricard.  "To finally get a new pair of shoes and you're like wow, I can actually do things now, I don't have to walk on my tippy toes."

The Soles4Souls charity is a Nashville based company collects shoes and distributes them to people in need.

Ricard started the process in February and has already gathered almost two-thousand pairs of shoes. 

"I was told that I could do something bigger this year, so i decided to do something for other people instead of for myself."  Said Ricard.

Ricard admits that although a party would have been fun, she is happy to be a part of a much bigger celebration.

If you would like to help Lexi Ricard in her quest to collect shoes contact lxricard@gmail.com or 803-587-4038.

Shoe collection drop-off locations:

Agape Assisted Living Lexington, 5422 Augusta Road, Lexington

Agape Management, 1053 Center Street, West Columbia

Charter Oak Dentistry, 135 Charter Oak Road, Lexington

Cherokee Presbyterian Church, 3622 Augusta Hwy, Gilbert

Comporium, 1660 Juniper Springs Road, Gilbert

Ebenezer United Methodist Church, 3622 Augusta Hwy, Gilbert

Good Life Cafe, 3681-D Leaphart Road, West Columbia

Good for the Sole Shoes, 631-D Harden Street, Columbia

Joey's Sub & Sandwich Shop, 537 Main Street, Gilbert

Kennedy Law Firm, 125 East Church Street, Leesville

Lexington County Sheriff's Department, Gibson Road, Lexington

Town & Country, 4240 Augusta Hwy, Gilbert