Buchanan Elementary students get new shoes for winter

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - A heartwarming surprise brought joy and laughter to Buchanan Elementary School in Murfreesboro as every student received a brand-new pair of shoes.

Thanks to a $25,000 donation from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and the efforts of Soles4Souls’ 4EveryKid program, all 474 students at the school walked away with tennis shoes and socks to prepare for the colder months ahead.

“Every student in our school today is receiving a brand-new pair of tennis shoes and socks,” said Buchanan Elementary Principal Ashley Witt.

The event was a first for Buchanan Elementary. The school’s gymnasium was transformed into a shoe store, buzzing with excitement as volunteers worked to size each child for their perfect fit.

“At the end of the day, what we’re here to do is make these children feel seen and loved and celebrated. We make this feel like a party,” said Tiffany Turner, Vice President of Outreach at Soles4Souls.

The program aims to provide new shoes to children in need, addressing a growing concern for families struggling with rising costs. Turner said that shoes are one of the top three items families find difficult to afford.

“Shoes are expensive. They’re one of the top three items when we talk with social workers when we talk with guidance counselors that students need and just parents have trouble, sometimes providing,” she said.

For more information about Soles4Souls and how to support their mission, visit Soles4Souls’ website.

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