KNOXVILLE, TN (August 7, 2021) – Hundreds of local children received new shoes and school supplies Saturday, Aug. 7, during the 19th annual “Shoes for School” event presented by the Knoxville Area Urban League and Covenant Health.
The event at Caswell Park with a theme of “Happy and Healthy Start” coincided with the start of school, which is Monday, Aug. 9, for Knox County students. More than 600 children received shoes, and the organization estimates that about 2,000 picked up school supplies.
“We appreciate our partner Covenant Health, and sponsors Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), East Tennessee Children’s Hospital and volunteers who helped us send kids back to school with their best foot forward,” said Phyllis Y. Nichols, president and CEO of the Knoxville Area Urban League. “Breaking down any financial barriers for parents helps students start their semester off right, and it’s all thanks to the community.”
Gary Young, manager of community outreach for Covenant Health, said, “At Covenant Health, we believe in bettering the quality of life in communities we serve, so we welcome the opportunity to continue to serve local families through ‘Shoes for School.’ The Knoxville Area Urban League puts on an unparalleled event every year. It’s encouraging to see the community come together to support our students.”
Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee brought a refrigerated tractor trailer and its mobile food truck both filled with food that was distributed to attendees. The organization gave out approximately two weeks’ worth of food and fresh produce to families.
On-site nurses with New Direction Health Care Solutions provided free COVID-19 vaccinations and educational information to attendees.
The event was a community effort that families and volunteers have looked forward to for the past 16 years. Attendees enjoyed food, games, inflatables, and freebies distributed by sponsors of 27 booths representing businesses, civic and non-profit organizations, church groups and others.
The KAUL Shoes for Schools was originally established as a method for children, who applied and were approved the previous school year, to pick up their new shoes for the coming school year.
The event has grown into corporate and local businesses offering contributions toward the success of students.
“There’s something about a new pair of shoes and school supplies that make the start of the year more exciting,” Nichols said. “We’re always happy to spur that enthusiasm at this event year after year.”
Local corporate and booth sponsors include TVA, Covenant Health, KUB, US Cellular, and others. To be a corporate or booth sponsor, or a community donor to the 2022 18th Annual Shoes for Schools, contact www.thekaul.org/shoes-for-school.
About the Knoxville Area Urban League
Since 1968, the Knoxville Area Urban League has assisted disadvantaged people attain social and economic stability and self-sufficiency through direct services and advocacy. The League works to provide a skilled and diverse workforce; increase homeownership; support economic and small business development, and enhance education efforts for our youth. The Knoxville Area Urban League is a United Way partner agency and affiliate of the National Urban League. The League’s work and results are evident in the lives of the over 8,000 people it impacts each year. For more information, call 865-524-5511 or visit www.thekaul.org.