HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – The nonprofit Soles4Souls teamed up with Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and Hopkinsville Electric System/energynet (HES) to distribute new athletic shoes to local students as part of their 4EveryKid program. On Nov. 4, every student at Freedom Elementary in Hopkinsville received a new pair of shoes and socks.

During the school day, around 450 students were sized, chose a pair of new athletic shoes, and received new socks. According to a news release from Soles4Souls, for some kids, this might be the first time they have been properly fitted or picked out shoes of their own.

“We are extremely grateful for the generosity shown to Freedom Elementary students by the wonderful folks at Soles4Souls, along with our community partners at TVA and HES,” said a statement from Christian County Public Schools. “Seeing nearly 450 students walk away in a brand-new pair of shoes was something special, their faces said it all. A gift like this can not only meet a need for families but it helps kids feel confident and ready to learn.”

Through this program, the nonprofit partners with schools across the United States to distribute shoes to children in order to eliminate barriers to educational and extracurricular opportunities. Around 100 employees from the TVA and HES participated, along with CCPS staff, city and county officials to distribute the shoes.

“At TVA, we’re committed to making a positive difference in the communities we serve,” said Virginia Bishop Gray, TVA Government & Community Relations Director for Kentucky. “Something as simple as a new pair of shoes can remove barriers, boost self-esteem, and help children focus on learning, and we’re proud to be part of that effort.”

In 2025, 4EveryKid delivered more than 200,000 pairs of new shoes to children across the country. They said the TVA is one of the program funders that made it possible to support more than 6,000 students across its service area and more than 800 in Kentucky. Now, the Freedom Elementary event brings that support directly to the students it serves.

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