Pilot Program to begin in TVA’s rural service areas
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Soles4Souls, the global nonprofit committed to turning shoes and clothing into opportunity, is partnering with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) for a shoe distribution pilot program in TVA’s rural districts in Tennessee and Kentucky. Through this partnership, TVA will donate $25,000 to Soles4Souls in order to serve 1,250 children throughout the region.
The partnership will enhance the Nashville-based nonprofit’s 4EveryKid program, which is committed to providing a pair of brand-new athletic shoes to students experiencing homelessness across the United States. 4EveryKid partners have reported that 98% of their students feel more confident after receiving their shoes, and four in five felt more equal to their peers.Three in four students also increased their participation in sports and other extracurricular activities.
“Education is an important part of TVA’s mission of service, inside and outside of the classroom, and we are thrilled to partner with Soles4Souls to enhance these students’ learning experience,” shared Gary Harris, TVA’s Director of Community and Government Relations for the North Region. “Comfortable shoes to walk and play in at school can be taken for granted by many, and we know that lack of quality footwear is another obstacle for some of our children whose families may be struggling.”
The TVA north region covers portions of Tennessee and Kentucky. In some of these rural areas, the rate of students experiencing homelessness is 7.5 percent, which is more than three times the national average of 2.4 percent.
Together with TVA, Soles4Souls plans to serve the school districts in the following counties for the pilot program to get started.
Tennessee counties: Bedford County (TN), Cannon County (TN), Clay County (TN), Coffee County (TN), Lincoln County (TN), Hickman County (TN), Humphreys County (TN), Lawrence County (TN), Perry County (TN), Warren County (TN), White County (TN), and the Tennessee School for the Blind.
Kentucky Counties: Cumberland (KY), Graves County (KY), Logan County (KY), Marshall County (KY), Simpson County (KY).
“Our partnership with TVA is a powerful example of how we can come together to support children experiencing homelessness across middle Tennessee and southern Kentucky,” said Buddy Teaster, CEO of Soles4Souls. “Providing new athletic shoes to these kids means we’re not just meeting immediate needs but also helping them feel more confident and ready to succeed in school and beyond.”
Through Soles4Souls’ collaborations with school districts, nonprofits, and champions nationwide, the 4EveryKid initiative has served 206,507 children since launching in 2020.
To learn more about Soles4Souls and the 4EveryKid program, please visit soles4souls.org.
About Soles4Souls
Soles4Souls turns shoes and clothing into educational and economic opportunities. Our programs, 4Opportunity, 4Relief, 4EveryKid and 4ThePlanet, aim to make a positive difference on the planet and in people’s economic, educational, physical, and psychosocial well-being. Since 2006, more than 103 million pairs of shoes and pieces of clothing have helped create opportunities for people across 137 countries. Soles4Souls is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, with Regional Donation Centers and warehouse locations around the world. Visit soles4souls.org for more information.
About Tennessee Valley Authority
The Tennessee Valley Authority is the nation’s largest public power supplier, delivering energy to 10 million people across seven southeastern states. TVA was established 90 years ago to serve this region and the nation by developing innovative solutions to solve complex challenges. TVA’s unique mission focuses on energy, environmental stewardship, and economic development. With one of the largest, most diverse, and cleanest energy systems – including nuclear, hydro, solar, gas, and advanced technologies – TVA is a leader in our nation’s drive toward a clean energy future.
TVA is a corporate agency of the United States, receiving no taxpayer funding, deriving virtually all of its revenues from sales of electricity. In addition to operating and investing its revenues in its electric system, TVA provides flood control, navigation, and land management for the Tennessee River system, and assists local power companies and state and local governments with economic development and job creation. Learn more at Energy System of the Future.
