The Kicks for Kids program is off and running at Jefferson Elementary School. On January 17th, 57 Pre-K students went home with a brand new pair of shoes.
It’s a group effort among those at the Edward Jones in Johnston City including Ashton and Sidney Stephens, who are Financial Advisors. Plus, Tonia Johnson, Senior Branch Office Administrator, and Laura Wilkerson Branch Office Administrator.
The Johnston City Edward Jones team is working with Hibbett Sports and the school. While this is the first time students went home with a new pair of shoes, this plan has been in the works for sometime.
“Our branch has been trying to think about what our give back can be to the community,” Ashton explains. “About a year ago, I was talking to my friend and she gave me this shoe project idea. I love shoes, so it seemed like the perfect fit.”
The Stephens, Johnson, and Wilkerson then paired up with Chrissy Stewart, District Sales Manager for Hibbett Sports. Together, they spearheaded the Kicks for Kids program. Ashton says Edward Jones likes to encourage giving and matched their donation, which allowed for the purchase of additional shoes.
The goal is to give every child in the Johnston City School District a new pair of shoes over the years. The first step was getting into the school and measuring Pre-K students for their shoe size. The Stephens, Wilkerson, Johnson and employees with Hibbett Sports were able to get that done a few months ago, and worked to find appropriate sizes.
“We carry a variety of shoes, so we were able to pick and choose between laces or no laces,” Stewart says. “We were able to do slip-on shoes, tie shoes, name brand shoes.”
The Stephens, Wilkerson, Johnson, Stewart and others involved in the program returned surprising students by giving them a shoebox with their name on it. The Pre-K students opened the box, revealing their brand new pair of kicks.
“Getting to see how excited students were to open their shoes and their reactions was absolutely amazing,” Ashton adds. “It made all the hard work worth it.”
Andria Murrah, the Principal at Jefferson Elementary School, supports the Kicks for Kids program. She says students need tennis shoes for P.E. and recess, and it also gives parents a helping hand.
“We have a lot of students whose parents might be single homes or both parents are trying to work and have numerous kids,” Murrah explains. “Buying a new pair of tennis shoes can be very expensive these days.”
During the giveaway, Kindergarten and 1st grade students also had their feet measured. Those students will be next to receive new shoes. Ashton hopes the next giveaway will be held at the end of February or early March.