KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Knoxville Area Urban League is reminding families they have until July 1 to sign up for Shoes for School, a program that gives eligible students in the region new shoes before they return to school along with a set of new school supplies.
This year, the Urban League said the event will move to a new, indoor venue to avoid the summer heat. It will also host an employment and vendor fair, helping connect guardians with possible job opportunities while also connecting business leaders with customers.
"Companies seeking employees and small business owners interested in vending at the event can contact KAUL about participation," the Urban League said.
In previous years, the event was held outdoors. Volunteers gave out more than 1,700 pairs of shoes and around 3,000 sets of school supplies in 2022. The Urban League said the event is meant to help make sure students start the school year on the right foot, boosting their self-esteem and giving them the basic supplies they need to succeed.
This will be the 22nd anniversary of the event. It will be on Aug. 3 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Jacob's Building, when volunteers will hand out the shoes and the supplies. Families who want to register for the event can do so online.
Anyone who wants to volunteer can also find more information on the Urban League's website, and so can anyone who wants to sponsor the event.