One image, one shoe, one man, one idea: Soles4Souls.

Millions of us watched the TV coverage of the Tsunami in 2004, but when shoe executive Wayne Elsey saw the image of a single shoe wash ashore, he knew he could make a difference. Calling on other friends in the shoe industry, he managed to get over 225,000 pairs sent to Indonesia in less than 8 weeks. When Hurricane Katrina struck the gulf coast a year later, Elsey stepped in again and donated over a million pairs of shoes to the impacted communities.

At this point, Elsey realized the need for a non-profit that could be ready to help in the event of another disaster. Five year later, Soles4Souls has delivered over 20 million shoes to 225 countries through donations, contributions, and discards. There are now locations all over the country where you can drop off used shoes. You can also donate online; $1 buys a pair of shoes and there is only a $5 minimum.  In addition, you can help choose where Soles4Souls distribute the shoes, so you can send your support to the area you feel the most passionate about.

Elsey’s latest role is that of an author and he recently published his new book, Almost Isn't Good Enough.  He describes his depressing teenage years, thoughts of suicide and how he went on to become the founder of one of the fastest growing charities in the world. Wayne’s hope is that every person who reads the book will come away believing that we all matter and we all have something to contribute to the world.

Almost Isn't Good Enough asks: “How can what you are doing in your world make a difference in the world?” 100% of the proceeds of the book will go directly towards furthering Soles4Souls mission. For every book sold, 10 pairs of shoes will be given to people in need!