Soles For Alex: Cambridge Teens Collect Shoes In Honor Of Friend

MILTON, GA — Two Cambridge High School juniors are collecting shoes for those in need, in honor of their friend who died last year.

Hazen Parry and Tate Moeller lost one of their best friends, Alex Escabi, in December after he was in a car accident.

Parry met Escabi the summer after eighth grade, and Moeller met Escabi in eighth grade at Hopewell Middle School. When Parry and Moeller were introduced the next year, the trio became instant friends.

"We would often meet up during the day," Parry said. "Alex was a really well liked person. He was very funny. He made everyone happier when he was around. Alex loved baseball. He and I would argue about who is better: the Braves or the Yankees. His favorite player was Aaron Judge."

Moeller describes Escabi as funny, diligent and hard-working, and a caring person.

When Escabi was killed Dec. 15, 2020, the teens knew they had to honor their friend in a special way.

"Alex liked shoes, and I thought giving shoes to kids that need them would be a good way to share his memory with others," Moeller said.

Their initial goal was to get 1,000 pairs, and they are almost there.

Donations came from the community, including their school and the Ambush Soccer Club. Moeller said a lot of people have reached out wanting to donate in Escabi memory, which he said has been a great way to get support for Escabi's family.

"The ultimate goal is to donate shoes to people in students in need," Parry said. "I felt like this was super important to be part of because I saw how much Alex meant to people."

Moeller said he wants to keep the shoe drive going throughout the year, but hopes to organize a larger shoe drive each December.

"This feels like a good way to remember him and if he saw knew we were doing this, it would mean a lot to him," Parry said. "It would be a good last wish. I miss him."

To donate, Moeller’s Venmo account is @Tate-Moeller, and asks that donors mention Escabi in the notes.