Holly teen collects shoes for foster children

(FOX 2) - Seeing the need for foster children in our area, a Holly teen decided to do something about it.

He doesn't know what it's like to walk in their shoes, but he is trying to make sure they have a new pair of their own.

"I just thought helping the community would be a good thing to do," said Derrick Newman.

"Once he kids an idea, it is forward ho!" said his dad Steven Newman.

His dad isn't exaggerating. You first met Derrick Newman in August of 2017 when he began collecting patches from police and fire departments all over the world.

After FOX 2's story aired his collection grew from 1,000 to almost 5,000 - with people sending them to him from as far away as Australia. His patches were sewn onto blue banners paying tribute to the officers and firefighters who put their lives on the line every day.

Now at 14, Derrick has a new mission. His dad and step-mother are in the process of adopting a foster child, which got Derrick thinking.

"Most people will give them tooth brushes, toothpaste, shirts stuff like that," Derrick said. "Not shoes."

Learning about the tough times foster kids experience like often moving from home to home, Derrick decided he wanted to help.

He started a shoe drive on Facebook called "Going Somewhere (Shoes for Children in Foster Care). He is asking people to donate money so they can purchase footwear for kids in need.

"I think that kids that are going to need a little more time to be adopted, should be able to have a new pair of shoes when they need it," he said. 

"A lot of foster kids - they are kids - they grow out of shoes quick, just like any kid," Steven said. "But they don't have the support to get new shoes all the time. Hopefully this will help."

Slowly the shoes are trickling in - but with the help of his dad, Derrick refuses to give up. He visits stores, posting videos and hoping people will find it in their hearts to help.

"I think it is awesome that we have gotten so much donated to us, to be able to get shoes," Derrick said.

They are in the process of choosing foster homes to donate the shoes to. Anyone is welcome to contact them on their Facebook page. Derrick sending a message to others if you are able to - do more in your community. CLICK HERE to go to the Facebook page.