Teen raises money to buy shoes for younger students

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A middle school student is collecting money to help other students.

Randall Middle School student Camden Grant is on a mission to raise money for students at Booker T. Washington Elementary in Tampa.

"I really wanted to make a difference in those kids' lives because I know that they don't come from the best situation, and they are not as fortunate as I am, and so I want to give back," Camden said.

The 14-year-old thought of the idea while reading to the kids for a school service project. 

"And there were huge smiles across their face and I just thought, 'wow, something so simple that makes a difference,'" Camden said.

The kids touched her heart, so she decided to do more.

She started a project to raise money to buy shoes for every first-grader at Booker Elementary. She called the grass-roots effort Soles Shaping Souls.

"I'm just very proud of her," her mom, Laurie Bumberg said. "She's taken the lead on this and she's doing a great job."

She started a GoFundMe page and solicited help from her schoolmates.

"I think it is pretty amazing that she came up with this," said student Allee Bourgeois a student that is helping Camden. "Just from seeing kids needed it, and then finding out a way to help."

So far Camden has collected more than $6,000. That's enough to buy the second-graders at Booker Elementary shoes, too.

"It's a good thing to do to help your community," Camden said.

She hopes her pay-it-forward attitude rubs off on the students.

"I hoping they think that it is a really good thing," said Camden. "I hope that it inspires them to do good things in their lives."

Camden plans on taking the shoes to the school later this month.