KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Shoes for School is around a month away, kicking off on Aug. 3, and there are big changes coming. It will be held in a new location and offer new kinds of services and resources. It's hosted by the Knoxville Area Urban League and aims to make sure students have their back-to-school basics and are prepared for the school year.
The Urban League is aiming to give out more than 1,700 free pairs of shoes this year to kids between 5 years old and 12 years old. Carly Hammonds, the director of education and youth services for the organization, said the event helps kids succeed in school.
"Those shoes help to alleviate the need to compare themselves to their peers, so they're able to focus on their academic rigor and goals," said Hammonds. "We find that youth perform a whole lot better when they feel a part of their peers."
This year's event will take place at a new location, the Jacob Building in Chilhowee Park. In addition to shoes and school supplies, there will be other services available this year too.
"A long-time partner of ours, the Barbering Academy here in Knoxville, is providing free haircuts for young men and young women that are in attendance for Shoes for School," said Hammonds.
Hammonds says the changes are based on the needs of the community. The event will also have resources to help parents and guardians find better employment, and health resources for every member of the family.
"Making sure that we meet the immediate needs of the youth that we're serving here in Knoxville will always be a priority, but making sure that we are caring for the family in a holistic way brought about these additions that our CEO and President, Dr. Lomax, has found to be of need," said Hammonds. "We're wanting to make sure that we are starting, not just our littles and our youth off strong for this the top of the school year, but also the entire family."
The event also isn't just for kids. She said parents will be able to learn about how they can get health insurance and will learn about some Black-owned businesses and minority-owned businesses across Knoxville She said the goal of Shoes for School is to make sure students and their families are as prepared as they can be.
"If we can alleviate those social barriers, they can perform better academically, but also relieving those barriers for families as well, so they can reallocate funding to more pressing issues that they may be facing," said Hammonds.
Shoes for School has reached capacity, so the sign-up is closed, but sponsors are still needed.
People are still encouraged to attend to take advantage of the free school supplies, the employment and vendor fair, health resources and more. Event sponsors are still needed to fund the event and pay for shoes. Financial sponsorships, donations, and in-kind contributions should be submitted by July 15.
Volunteers are also needed to help organize shoes and supplies and distribute them to families.