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Olivia Wright puts a lot of heart into getting soles on people in need.
Olivia Wright says, "At 9 , I went on my first Appalachian mountains mission trips ever, a little girl came up to me with shoes looking like she had one a new toy. It really opened my eyes and made me want to start helping out."
The 16-year-old is helping thousands with her non-profit Help Us Give Shoes (H.U.G.S.). She works with different missionaries to distribute them across the world...
Olivia Wright says, "A lot of times I find myself getting so caught up in what's going on internationally, that I forget that I am able to help in my own community."
In June, she is launching Shoe Nashville program for people in the mid-state.
Over the last 7 years, the teen has collected and given away more than 86,000 pairs of shoes.
Friend, Sumner McMurtry says, "They're storing all the shoes at their house, and really small storage center. So we came up with the idea to combine theatre which we love and also we thought we could do it for a great cause."
Sumner McMurtry helped his friend put together a fundraiser play for a new warehouse . Friday is opening night for "Beauty is a Beast."
McMurtry says,"It tells the story of a very bratty princess ."
Olivia is anything but...
Olivia's mother, Jennifer Wright says, "She is not only helping kids who need shoes, but showing other kids they can make a difference . As a mom I am very proud."
Olivia says, "I would not be where I am without hundreds of people who are there to support me. I want people to know to not to let anything hold them back you are capable of amazing things."
Beauty is a Beast runs through Saturday night at Faith Church on 639 S. Water Ave. Gallatin, TN
All proceeds go to HUGS.
For more information on tickets and the non-profit, visit the following links:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=300129474895&fref=ts
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