When CJ McCool told his grandmother he wanted shoes for Christmas, she replied that he had a closet full of shoes. But the shoes were not for himself.

CJ, who turns 8 on Thursday, told his grandmother, Pat McCool of Morris, that he wanted the shoes for boys and girls in Guatemala, which is his native country.

CJ is the son of Jim and Bebe McCool of Morris. He came to the U.S. when he was 4 months old.

CJ has never been to Guatemala, but has seen pictures and has been told of the dire needs there through messages from Enon Baptist Church missionaries who have served there in recent years.

To honor CJ’s wishes, his parents have arranged with Enon Baptist Church to start a fund called Soles for Jesus. Enon is working with Happy Feet, a local organization that provides shoes for children in need while spreading the Christian gospel.

Happy Feet is planning a trip to Guatemala in June, and will take donations from Enon for shoes. They prefer money rather than actual shoes; they purchase the shoes there to avoid difficulties with customs.

To donate, mail checks to Enon Baptist Church at 724 Morris Majestic Road, Morris, AL, 35116.