August 6, 2016
More than 1,200 children received new tennis shoes and school supplies on Saturday, Aug. 6, thanks to the 14th annual “Shoes for School” event presented by the Knoxville Area Urban League, U.S. Cellular and East Tennessee Children’s Hospital.
Organizers, sponsors and volunteers prepare to kick off the 14th Annual “Shoes for School” event presented by the Knoxville Area Urban League (KAUL), U.S. Cellular and East Tennessee Children’s Hospital (ETCH) on Aug. 6 in Caswell Park. Pictured from left: City Councilman Dan Brown, KAUL president and CEO Phyllis Y. Nichols, Dana Dorcas of U.S. Cellular, Jody Nix of ETCH, Ola Blackmon-McBride of KAUL and other supporters.
The first day of school for Knox County is Monday, Aug. 8. The event at Caswell Park is timed to coincide with the start of the new academic year, sending
children into the classroom with new shoes and an assortment of school supplies.
“A simple pair of shoes can help children start the school year off on the right foot – with confidence,” said Phyllis Y. Nichols, president and CEO of the Knoxville Area Urban League. “For the Knoxville Area Urban League staff and volunteers, this is a special day. ‘Shoes for Schools’ is one of our signature events, and it’s one of our most joyful days of the year to serve our community.”
Ron’Nayzha McIlwaine and Houston McKenzie show off their new shoes they received at the Knoxville Area Urban League’s 14th Annual “Shoes for School” event on Aug. 6 in Caswell Park.
The Knoxville Area Urban League, U.S. Cellular, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital and other sponsors hosted a festive atmosphere with food, games and inflatables provided by booth sponsors representing area businesses, nonprofit organizations, church groups and others. The event is a community effort that families and volunteers eagerly anticipate each year. Children participating in the event complete a pre-registration process with participating agencies.
“We greatly appreciate our staff and sponsors who give time and donations to make this event successful and meaningful for the children in need in our community,” Nichols said.
U.S. Cellular volunteers prepare to hand out school supplies at the 14th Annual “Shoes for School” event on Aug. 6 in Caswell Park. Pictured from left: Lori Snyder with Cydney Champion, Lindsey Zachary, Goldie Littlejohn, Elizabeth Youngblood and Candice Champion.
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; to increase homeownership; to support economic and small business development, and to 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.
