ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. -- Some local students who work constantly to overcome obstacles associated with being deaf and blind are walking a little more comfortably thanks to the Soles 4 Souls' donation of hundreds of pairs of shoes.

"We all feel that we have new shoes and they're really nice. We feel good about ourselves and we don't have to keep the old shoes. We've got new shoes now. We've got something different," new shoe recipient Chris said with the help of a sign language interpreter.

Chris was one of nearly 1,000 students at the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind in St. Augustine who has a new spring in his step thanks to some new shoes from Soles 4 Shoes.

Soles 4 Souls is an international charity dedicated to providing free footwear to disadvantaged people all over the world.

The founder of Soles 4 Souls, Wayne Elsey, said donating the shoes was a simple gesture that speaks volumes and that it was great time to help out with Christmas around the corner.

"Something so simple that we take for granted is making these kids smile," Elsey said. "A pair of shoes can help them and help their families especially around the holidays."

From an old pair of sneaks of a new pair of New Balance the new shoes were an upgrade that brought a smile to several kids' faces.

"I was like, 'Wow. I got some new shoes.' I was excited," Chris said. "I'm very grateful that the man was nice enough to give me the shoes. He was just giving them away for free to all of us."

Shoe companies, retailers and individuals can donate both new and gently worn footwear to Soles 4 Shoes. The charity is a 501(c)(3) recognized by the IRS, and donating parties are eligible for tax advantages.

For more information about Soles 4 Shoes, please call 866-521-SHOE or visit GiveShoes.org or Soles4Souls.org.