What began with one pair of shoes and one moment of hope has grown into a global movement reaching more than 12 million people around the world.

Long before Samaritan’s Feet existed, its mission was taking shape in the life of a nine-year-old boy in Lagos, Nigeria. Manny Ohonme received his first pair of shoes from a missionary after participating in a basketball contest. The shoes met an immediate need, but the kindness and encouragement that accompanied them left an even greater impression. Someone had seen potential in him, and that moment helped Manny imagine a future beyond his circumstances.

Years later, Manny and his wife, Tracie, founded Samaritan’s Feet in their garage in Charlotte, North Carolina. Their vision was simple but powerful: provide shoes to people in need while creating personal moments of dignity, hope, and human connection.

Since 2003, that vision has carried Samaritan’s Feet from a Charlotte garage to communities across the United States and around the world. Millions of children and adults have received new shoes through the dedication of volunteers, donors, corporate supporters, churches, and local partners. Each pair of shoes represents more than a number, our shoes represent a person, a story, and an opportunity to remind someone of their value.

A Milestone in Malawi

Samaritan’s Feet recently celebrated its 12 million milestone during a shoe distribution in Lilongwe, Malawi, held in partnership with Operation SAVE.

The milestone was especially meaningful because of the organizations’ longstanding relationship. Operation SAVE Founder and CEO Marvin Tarlton has served communities in Malawi for more than 25 years through initiatives addressing clean water, hunger, women’s health, evangelism, and other community needs. After witnessing many children walking barefoot, Tarlton connected with Manny, and the organizations began serving together in Malawi nearly two decades ago.

Today, their partnership brings together Operation SAVE’s deep local relationships and community experience with Samaritan’s Feet’s focus on shoes, foot health, and personal connection.

“Shoes are not something that we specialize in, but everybody needs a good pair of shoes,” Tarlton shared. “Seeing us partner together—two ministries that have the same initiatives—just makes good sense.”

During the distribution, children received new shoes while volunteers and partners spent time washing feet, encouraging families, and sharing a message of hope. For Tarlton, the impact extended beyond what participants carried home.

“Our children are excited. They’re walking away with good-fitting shoes on their feet,” he said. “Somebody cares for them. Something good has happened in their life.”

Meet Martin

Ten-year-old Martin Kade’s story is a great representation of Samaritan’s Feet’s 12 million milestone. The moment created a meaningful connection between the beginning of Samaritan’s Feet and how far the organization has come. Manny was nine when he received the shoes that helped inspire a global mission. Martin was 10 when he received his new pair in Malawi, another young boy experiencing the practical comfort of shoes and the knowledge that people from near and far cared about him.

“I feel very, very happy,” Martin shared. He explained that his previous shoes were tight and uncomfortable and that his new pair would help protect his feet from the hot ground as he traveled to school.

Martin also offered a simple message to those who made the distribution possible: “God should bless the people who have given me the shoes.”

His thoughts quickly turned toward other children experiencing the same need. “They should continue helping other people,” he said. “There are many people who are suffering from things like this.”

Stronger Through Partnership

The Malawi initiative also included the leadership of Samaritan’s Feet Ghana, helping extend the organization’s work and partnerships across the African continent.

Prince Adu-Appiah, CEO of Samaritan’s Feet Ghana, emphasized that access to appropriate footwear can support both health and education. In communities where shoes are required as part of a school uniform, a new pair can help a child attend class while also providing protection from injuries, hot ground, and foot-related illnesses.

He also recognized Operation SAVE’s local experience as essential to creating sustainable impact.

“If we really want to go far, we want to go together,” Adu-Appiah said. “Through this partnership, we get to learn from the lessons that Marvin and the wonderful team have learned over the years and from their connections to the communities.”

By combining shoes with Operation SAVE’s work in clean water, nutrition, women’s health, and community development, the partnership can address needs more holistically and reach more people.

Twelve Million Reached, But The Journey Continues

Reaching 12 million is a moment to celebrate, but it is also a moment to reflect on every person who made the journey possible.

It belongs to the volunteers who have knelt to wash feet and fit shoes. It belongs to the donors and partners who have invested in the mission. It belongs to the community leaders who guide the work locally. Most importantly, it belongs to the millions of children and adults who have trusted Samaritan’s Feet to be part of their stories.

From Manny in Nigeria to Martin in Malawi, one pair of shoes can become part of something much greater. It can protect a child’s feet, support their education, restore confidence, and remind them that their future matters.

Twelve million people have now experienced that message, and Samaritan’s Feet is continuing forward, one pair and one person at a time.

Join Us 

There are many ways for the community to get involved. Whether through volunteering at an upcoming distribution, supporting our mission financially, or spreading the word. Every action helps us give more people the care and compassion they deserve.

If you are interested in supporting our efforts, visit www.samaritansfeet.org/GetInvolved to learn more.