Raven Acuff tries on her new shoes.
School is back in session now and things have settled into a routine. It’s easy to forget how stressful those last few days of summer were when school supplies and clothes were being bought amid anticipation and concern about what the new school year would hold. I remember when I was a child how worried I was just before school started. Did I have exactly the right supplies? Did my clothes look just right?
Well, guess what. Things have only gotten more stressful. The school supply list has gotten considerably longer and the peer pressure regarding clothes and looks is more intense than ever.
That’s why the Knoxville Area Urban League experienced record attendance at its annual Shoes for School event in Caswell Park last month. Here’s how Shoes for School works. The Urban League and Enterprise Rent-A-Car arrange to purchase new athletic shoes at a deep discount. Companies and individuals contribute money for the purchase of the shoes.
And then, right before school starts, everyone gathers at Caswell Park to give the shoes — and other school supplies — to children who need them. The recipients are screened in advance by various social service organizations like the Boys and Girls Club or Emerald Youth Foundation and each child gets a pair of shoes just for them in the right size and style for their age and gender.
More than 1,000 pairs of shoes were distributed.
And it’s also a big party complete with inflatables and hot dogs and other treats. I actually think it’s as much fun for the volunteers as it is for the kids. Companies use it for team building among employees, and parents and grandparents bring along their own young people to teach them about volunteer work. It’s a total win-win. (If it just weren’t so darn hot!)
This year the Urban League distributed 1,078 pairs of shoes. More than 30 companies participated along with 22 non-profit agencies that brought the children, and more than 260 volunteers. “People are really struggling,” said Phyllis Nichols, CEO of the Knoxville Area Urban League. ‘When you have that list of school supplies that kids are supposed to show up with, it’s hard.” That’s why the Urban League asked companies to make school supplies the prizes at their game booths this year, rather than toys or candy.
Here are some sights from this year’s event. If you or your company would like to be involved in next year’s Shoes for School program, contact the Knoxville Area Urban League by clicking here.
Here was the scene at Caswell Park last month for the 8th annual Shoes for Schools event.
A balloon release opened the event.
There they go!
Back on the ground, James Morrison of Enterprise hauls boxes that contained shoes. There was plenty of work for the volunteers!
Noah Beeler checks out his new shoes.
So does Jazine Pelcher.
Urban League CEO Phyllis Nichols and board member Al Pirie of Uster.
There were tons of activities to keep the kids occupied while they waited for their groups to be called to get their shoes. Mel Moore tried his hand at throwing a football through a target.
Of course, the slide was popular.
There was hula hooping! Celes Shannan demonstrates the technique to Nashea Motley.
A little more coaching . . .
And she gets it! Yay!
Denso provided lots of sports goods.
Over at the Home Federal booth, they were handing out school supplies.
Look at these colorful erasers!
Home Federal's Julie Crutchfield helps out.
U.S. Cellular was passing out bags containing all kinds of school supplies.
Pamela Davis, left, and Rebekkah Epperson helped staff the U.S. Cellular booth.
Rural/Metro's ambulance attracted attention.
Checking out the inside of the ambulance are, from left, Kajira Wimberly, Jerrod Foster and Rodney Foster.
Rural/Metro's Amber Riedel patiently answered questions.
UT basketball players and staff were on hand to lend support. Here they are with Urban League board member Chris Powell of Scripps Networks, second from right.
This is Bella Powell, the granddaughter of Urban League CEO Phyllis Nichols.
This little volunteer is Presley Ford. She came with her grandparents, Dawn and Richard Ford. She was giving away books as part of the Urban League's Read and Rise program.
Here was my favorite book of all those offered: Diary of a Worm! Hahaha!
From left, Urban League board members Gwen Brown and Drew Starke with Lydia McCoy of the News Sentinel.
Board members Tim Romero of Enterprise and Alan Hill of AT&T.
Board member Rita Geier takes a photo.
TVA's Peyton Hairston is chair of the Urban League board. He must really love his job because he has a TVA logo tattooed on his cheek! (Thank goodness it was a temporary tattoo!)
Sam Henningfield staffed the ring toss game that Sysco brought. Her mom works there.
Bryan Stubblefield of First Tennessee brought his company's popcorn machine.
Sharon Fleming of SunTrust served up snowcones.
See, doesn’t it look like fun? You gotta get in on this next year!
Thanks for the mention, Cynthia…..the kids of Emerald Youth appreciate all the KAUL does at this event. It really serves our city’s young people!
Emerald Youth does a great job, too, John! It was a pretty moving event to see so many happy kids.
I miss you guys so much! I am sorry I couldn’t be there to help this year, but I will be back next year!
We miss you too, Annette! But judging from your Facebook status, you have had quite a year! Surely things will calm down soon.
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