Collecting shoes for needy gets Tucson teen 'belled'

What: Ben’s Bells promote kindness and community involvement. Each week a person who makes Tucson better is “belled.”

Last week’s recipient: Ryan Sadowsky.

Nominated by: Helen Garren.

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Why: Ryan recently started a project called Freshsoles, for which he collects new and slightly used tennis shoes for those in need. He cleans them and tags them with a Freshsoles sticker and recently had his first distribution of shoes at the John Valenzuela Youth Center in South Tucson and has already planned three more events. He started his own website to promote this cause and does it with happiness in his heart, wrote Garren in her nomination letter. “At 15 years of age, he is an inspiration to young and old alike,” Garren wrote.

More info and to nominate someone: Go to bensbells.org/BellingForm to submit a name. Go to bensbells.org or call 622-1379 for more information.