Knoxville Area Urban League (KAUL) is seeking support from sponsors, employers, vendors and volunteers for this year’s Shoes for School event.
Shoes for School, which started in 2003, provides children with a new pair of shoes before the school year starts, along with assorted supplies. New this year, the event will include a employment and vendor fair, which will connect children’s guardians to potential job prospects and local entrepreneurs to new customers.
“The 2024 event will have multiple resources in one place to help children and families,” said Dr. Charles F. Lomax Jr., Knoxville Area Urban League president and CEO. “We welcome businesses that are seeking employees and also vendors who want to showcase their goods. We also need sponsors and volunteers for another successful event.”
The event will be held Saturday, Aug. 3, at Chilhowee Park & Exposition Center’s Jacob Building from 9 a.m.-noon. Sponsors and volunteers can register now at thekaul.org/shoes. Employers and vendors can participate by calling KAUL at 865-524-5511.
Supporting Shoes for Schools as a sponsor, employer, vendor or volunteer also enriches the community and businesses. Supporters are not only directly impacting students, but also providing a boost to the economy. Any form of contribution will leave a lasting impact on the participants.
Also, families receiving support through local nonprofits can register their children, age 12 and younger, now through July 1 to receive a free pair of shoes at the event. The order form and other event information are available at thekaul.org/shoes.
Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee also will be at the event, and families can register for a mix of shelf-stable goods and fresh produce at thekaul.org/shoes.
During the event, all attendees can pick up school supplies and enjoy free games, inflatables and giveaways from dozens of booth sponsors.
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 more than 8,000 people it impacts each year. For more information, call 865-524-5511 or visit thekaul.org.