Shoes 4 the Soul event gives out more shoes than ever in return to form

The University of the Cumberlands returned in full force with their yearly Shoes 4 the Soul event Friday, giving out more shoes than the event ever has before.

Elementary students from all over Whitley County converged at the O. Wayne Rollins Center on UC’s campus for the event, which is organized by the university’s campus ministry program, Appalachian Ministries. During the event, the elementary students are paired with staff and college student volunteers who perform a foot washing for the children before providing them with clean socks and a new pair of shoes.

Friday’s event was a return to form, with the last two years being reduced due to the pandemic. The shoes and other items were still provided, but the foot washing and in-person fellowship portions of the event had to be left out.

According to Caitlyn Howell, director of Appalachian Ministries, Shoes 4 the Soul 2022 provided 633 pairs of shoes to area students, which is the most the event has ever given out. Howell was pleased with this year’s outcome, saying that being able to bring the students back to campus was the true highlight.

“This event means a lot to me personally. Not only for the kids that we serve, but to see the college students that volunteer who gain a sense of responsibility and pride in doing something for someone in need is priceless,” said Howell. “This is the element that I have missed the most in not having the in-person event the last two years, and, by far, my favorite thing about this year’s event.”

Others who helped volunteer for the event also expressed their delight to see the event return in-person. Sarah Rainous Shelley, content development specialist for UC’s communications and marketing department, said she was glad to be able to be a part of Shoes 4 the Soul again.

“As a staff member and Cumberlands alumna who used to help out with this event, it was great being able to have the event in person again this year. There’s a joy, excitement, and warm-heartedness that is always present at this event, and it was great to experience that again this year,” said Rainous.

The foundation of this event was built in 2012 by the UC Women’s Basketball team and the Samaritans Feet organization to raise awareness of the children who go without socks and shoes on a daily basis all over the world. Together, these two teams partnered up to lay the ground work for Shoes 4 the Soul, which was formerly known as Barefoot for Barefeet.

Elementary school students taking part this year were from Williamsburg Independent, Whitley Central, Whitley East, Whitley North, Boston, Pleasant View and Oak Grove.

The yearly event is paid for through donations from sponsors. Anyone who is interested in sponsoring a child at next year’s Shoes 4 the Soul can do so by visiting www.ucumberlands.edu/shoes4soul/give. Sponsorship for one child is $30.