Special people leave a lasting effect on everyone they contact. Every day, they strive to make a difference. Johnny Bagwell was one of those people.

Bagwell took great pride in doing anything he could to help. He was more than willing to go out of his way to pick up shoes for the Soles4Souls on Campus collection. Many students he met have lasting memories of his big smile or his great hugs; he was always in a good mood and looking to help however possible.

"He was an inspiration to everyone who met him," Veronica Kempen, a former Southeast student, said. "He taught me so much about agriculture, but more importantly about life. I looked up to Johnny as if he were my big brother."

Another former Southeast student, Zach Drillingas, said Bagwell found it important to help those in need, and the joy he got out of helping was contagious to everyone around him.

Cheryl Reinagel, adviser of Souls4Soles on Campus, remembered how he'd always be smiling as he walked down the hallway. She'd ask if he'd been good, then play the song "Johnny B. Goode" as Bagwell would dance and bring a smile to everyone watching.

That's the kind of man Bagwell was; a happy, playful, kind soul looking to do anything he could to make others smile.

Bagwell joined the Soles4Souls on Campus organization right from the beginning in 2011. In the five years since the group has been organized, they have collected more than 27,000 pairs of shoes. Bagwell was there every year doing everything he could to help.

He graduated in spring 2014 and had his dream job. Unfortunately, he was killed in a car accident in December 2015.

This year, to honor the life of Bagwell, Soles4Souls on Campus dedicated the shoe drive to him. Having made past drives dedicated to people who have helped, this year's is especially important. Bagwell left a major impression on many of the students, faculty and volunteers who are a part of Soles4Souls.

To make this year even more important, this is the first year they also will be collecting books for Seeds of Dignity.

Reinagel believes every student who has an extra pair of shoes lying around most likely will have an extra book lying around, too.

"Your extra pair of shoes or extra book may be their first. Make a difference," Reinagel said.

Many of these donations go to families living in extreme poverty, living on less than $1.25 a day.

Katie Baldwin, president of Soles4Souls on Campus, is hoping for a big turnout this year with a goal of 5,000 pairs of shoes, though everything donated is appreciated. The condition of the shoes isn't an issue. Any shoes that aren't in good enough shape will be recycled into playground material.

The Soles4Souls on Campus shoe collection will be from March 27 to April 3. To donate, visit the Baptist Student Center or Rhodes Hall room 102.