Shoes 4 the Soul Welcomes 700 Local Children to Cumberlands for a Day of Care and Connection

Each year, hundreds of local students experience a day filled with joy, compassion, and fun at Shoes 4 the Soul—an award-winning initiative hosted by University of the Cumberlands and led by the Office of Campus Ministries. This year, the event welcomed 700 elementary and intermediate students to campus. 

From the moment they stepped through the doors, children were met with high-fives, upbeat music, and smiling faces. Volunteers from across the campus community came together to create a welcoming environment rooted in what the university calls “faith in action.” 

“It’s a really fun day for the children, and hopefully in the end they feel loved, valued, and respected,” said Rachel Li, associate campus minister.  

After arriving at Rollins Gym, each child was paired with a Cumberlands student “buddy” who guided them through every part of the experience: getting their feet washed (echoing the humility and love modeled by Christ), selecting a new pair of shoes, receiving a hygiene kit, trying out their new shoes in a fun race, and posing for a Polaroid photo with Patriot Pete.  

At the heart of Shoes 4 the Soul are the stories of transformation, some of which came full circle in a meaningful way this year. 

“Shoes 4 the Soul is a full-circle experience,” said Dr. Jamirae Holbrook, vice president for student affairs. “We have a few Cumberlands students this year who once sat in those chairs as elementary schoolers. Now, they wash the children’s feet and provide them with their shoes and socks. That’s what makes this event so special.” 

Deputy superintendent of Whitley County School Systems, Susie Brashear, echoed the sentiment. “I saw college students out there who were once my third‑grade students. So it’s just one big full‑circle moment of care, compassion, and life.” 

This year’s event included elementary students from nine local schools: Boston, Oak Grove, Pleasant View, Whitley East, Whitley North, Whitley Central Primary, Whitley Central Intermediate, Whitley City, and Williamsburg. 

One of the most touching full-circle moments came from Katy Powers, a Pleasant View staff member and Cumberlands alumna. She once volunteered for Shoes 4 the Soul as a student. Now, as a teacher, she sees the lasting impact from a new perspective. 

 “Whenever I was a student here, I worked this event, and I always felt like it was so rewarding,” Katy said. “I really loved it, especially going into the education program, knowing that I was helping these kids. But seeing it from a teacher’s perspective is a totally different world. Just seeing the kids come back to school bragging about their shoes, seeing how much they really love this event—it’s so exciting.” 

Maddy Curry, a freshman elementary education major, hopes to follow in Katy’s footsteps. 

“This was my first time serving [at] Shoes 4 the Soul, and I’ve just learned so much from these kids—they’re just incredible,” Maddy shared. “One of my kids screamed in excitement when she got her shoes. Getting to serve these kids and share the gospel with them and getting to connect with them personally is so rewarding.” 

An event of this scale relies on extraordinary collaboration. More than 300 volunteers helped bring the day to life. Shoes were purchased through a partnership with Shoe Sensation in Williamsburg. And as a sweet sendoff, Forcht Bank brought an ice cream truck to campus, handing out small cups of ice cream to children as they left. 

As this year demonstrated, Shoes 4 the Soul is more than a signature event; it’s a legacy of compassion, connection, and servant leadership that continues to shape the region, one pair of shoes at a time.