The nonprofit Soul Project is hoping to collect 100,000 shoes to ship to West Africa as part of a December 2012 relief effort to aid disadvantaged children, youth and adults.

Martin Kumi, who founded the Soul Project in 2005 to provide footwear to Africa’s shoeless children, said the need continues to be great.

On a trip to Ghana last month, he was inundated with gratitude from those lucky to get shoes.

“You have made my feet very beautiful,” Adu Bouheile, a student of Christ Children International School, wrote. “Now my feet is protect from damage. I thank you for all you have done. I thank you for helping me and my friends.”

George Worldchanger, a tutor of the school, wrote that nothing is more remarkable and admirable than to bring a change from nothingness to something.

“The Bible says that when you give to the needy you have actually given to the Lord,” he wrote. “It is only the maker of heaven and earth can replenish you and your donors for making the feet of people look beautiful.”

Kumi broke down in tears this week as he shared the handwritten letters of gratitude.

“There are still millions more who are in need of shoes,” he said. “This project will not end until there are no more barefoot souls in our world.”

To donate new and lightly worn flat-heeled shoes, call Temita S. Davis at 678-644-4976 or Martin Kumi at 678-518-0777.