Elli began the collection on the day she turned 10. Her mother, Candi, recommended working with Soles4Souls. Speaking to the Charleston Gazette about her daughter's project, Candi noted:
"[Elli] just really does love helping people and it helps her grow as a person."
Candi suggested the organization to Elli because she believes it is easier to ask people to donate objects rather than money.
So far, Elli's collection efforts have been fruitful. She put a box for donations at her school as well as a box at her dad's workplace. She also used social media to reach out to people who don't live in the area, as well as flyer printing to spread the word in South Charleston and beyond. Some of the donations have come from places as far as away as Ohio and Georgia.
At the end of November, Elli was more than two thirds of the way towards her goal, having collected about 800 pairs of shoes. She is hoping that the end of the year and holiday rush will help her make it to 1,100, although she does still have three months before she turns 11.
People interested in donating shoes can email Candi or bring the pairs to the Center for Dermatology at 1000 Sushruta Drive in Hedgesville.