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Hope-Hill fifth grader Rose Alexander holds up the free sneaker event bag. Photo: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©
Students at Hope-Hill Elementary School experienced a wonderful surprise on January 26, 2024, when their entire student population received a free pair of sneakers through a collaboration between Atlanta Public Schools (APS) and Soles4Souls.
Chosen through a lottery system involving APS Title I schools, the Hope-Hill event marked a significant milestone. It was the first time in the district’s three-year partnership with Soles4Souls that shoes were provided for an entire school.
The non-profit organization specializes in turning unwanted shoes and clothing into opportunities for those in need and usually provides shoes for the district’s homeless and foster care students through its 4EveryKid program. Their mission, aligned with preventing waste and extending a helping hand, has made a significant impact globally.
“Our program, 4EveryKid, helps provide new athletic shoes to children that are typically in underserved communities or experiencing homelessness,” vice president of strategic communications for Soles4Souls Jamie Ellis explained. “It can help them with school activities, extracurricular activities, and in some cases, for the older kids, it can help them get jobs.”
In Atlanta, a considerable percentage of students experience homelessness, and qualify for assistance under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. The collaboration between APS and Soles4Souls has proven pivotal, providing thousands of pairs of shoes annually to homeless students, offering not just physical comfort but also a sense of dignity.
“The goal is to make sure that at least once a school year APS has inventory on-site for students,” vice president of outreach for Soles4Souls Tiffany Turner said.
Hope-Hill first grader Savayah Murray getting her foot sized and picking out her sneakers. Photo: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©
During the event, students had their feet sized and personally selected a new pair of sneakers. The excitement was contagious. Savayah Murray, a first grader in Mr. David Rankin’s class, who joyfully received a pair of pink and purple Sketchers.
“This is truly an awesome contribution to our school,” Hope-Hill principal Keisha Gibbons said. “We have to meet our students’ basic needs, and when you look good and feel good, you perform well.”
Rose Alexander, a fifth grader who recently moved to Atlanta, expressed gratitude for receiving free sneakers, highlighting the event’s positive impact on the community.
“The shoes are pretty cool,” Alexander said. “It’s so nice that they’re coming to APS to do this for us because I think that it’s a really good cause and APS is a good school district. So I’m glad they picked us because I like Hope-Hill.”
An amazing partnership! APS and Soles4Souls representatives are all smiles during the event. Photo: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©
The Soles4Souls and Atlanta Public Schools partnership extends beyond providing shoes; it’s about building a sense of community, addressing fundamental needs, and empowering every student for a brighter future.
“I want to thank Soles4Souls for the opportunity and everyone that made this event possible— Atlanta Public Schools, Dr. [Jacqueline] Anthony, our social worker, Ms. [Takara] McGee, and everyone that [helped] put it together.” principal Gibbons said. “I can’t wait to hear all the great things as I walk the building and see the beautiful shoes that were donated to our school.”
Currently, the APS Social Work Services department endeavors to sponsor a shoe distribution event every nine weeks throughout the school year. As the program evolves, the hope is to extend its reach to encompass all Title I schools in the APS district, ensuring that no student is left behind in their pursuit of education and well-being.
Enjoy the below slideshow of photos from the Hope-Hill Soles4Souls event. To view online, click here. Photos: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©
Also, we encourage you to visit our YouTube page @apsupdate and subscribe for the latest highlights around the district, like the below video recap of the event.