FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 8, 2015
For more information,
Contact: Natalie Bailey
Moxley Carmichael
865-544-0088
Thanks to the efforts of the Knoxville Area Urban League and Enterprise Rent-A-Car, more than 1,200 children received new tennis shoes and school supplies on Saturday at the 13th annual “Shoes for School.”
The first day of school for Knox County is Monday, so the event at Caswell Park is timed for the start of the new academic year, giving the children a boost of confidence and sending them into the classroom on the right foot. Each child received shoes and an assortment of school supplies.
“Shoes for Schools is one of the Knoxville Area Urban League’s signature community events, and it’s one of my favorite days at work,” said Phyllis Y. Nichols, president and CEO of the Knoxville Area Urban League. “The joy we share with the children as we give them new shoes and school supplies is irreplaceable for us and for them.”
The Urban League, Enterprise 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 and something that families and volunteers eagerly anticipate each year.
“We are so grateful for our staff and sponsors who work so hard to make this event successful each year,” Nichols said.
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.