Courtesy of the Listerhill Foundation and the Kicks for Kids Association.

Muscle Shoals, ALA. - On Friday, November 1st, Cherokee Elementary in Cherokee, Alabama, celebrated a meaningful Shoe Drop, courtesy of the Listerhill Foundation and the Kicks for Kids Association. Through a generous sponsorship, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) played an instrumental role in bringing this event to Cherokee Elementary, selecting the school as the location for the Shoe Drop as part of its commitment to strengthening communities throughout the region.

“We’re thrilled to celebrate and support the students at Cherokee Elementary,” said Haley Brink, Director of Philanthropy for the Listerhill Foundation. “At Listerhill, we believe that something as simple as a new pair of shoes can have a lasting impact on a child’s confidence and ability to participate fully at school. This Shoe Drop reflects our commitment to nurturing the potential of each child in our community.”

The Listerhill Foundation and Kicks for Kids Association exists to boost students’ self-esteem, enhance school participation, promote physical activity, and help children reach their full potential. With TVA’s support, 228 Cherokee Elementary students received brand-name athletic shoes and five pairs of socks, bringing excitement and pride to the school community.

"The Listerhill Shoe Drop brought many smiles, cheers and happy tears Friday to Cherokee Elementary. It was an unforgettable experience to see the light and joy on our students' faces when they not only received their shoes, but also when they were told that the celebration was all about them. Receiving these shoes means a lot to many of the families in our community. This was such a blessing and special day for our amazing hard-working students. Thank you to everyone who was involved in helping to make this day possible. This program is changing lives one 'sole' at a time." - Heather Johnson, Principal of Cherokee Elementary

The event was further supported by TVA employees who volunteered their time.

"We were so grateful to be able to contribute, and it was such a blessing for us to see the kids' faces light up when they received their shoes. A very special thank you to Listerhill and Cherokee Elementary School for all the work they did in making the Shoe Drop possible, and for allowing us to partake in the event." - Mitchell Collier, Sr. Manager, Safety and Field Services at the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

The Listerhill Foundation is dedicated to empowering children across the Tennessee Valley, one pair of shoes at a time. Through partnerships with schools, sponsors, and individuals, the Foundation has distributed 3,790 pairs of shoes and 18,950 pairs of socks to local children. This Shoe Drop is the first of the year, with more events planned.

Donations to support the Listerhill Foundation and Kicks for Kids program can be made at listerhill.com/foundation. For more information, please contact Haley Brink, Director of Philanthropy, at [email protected], or Emma Thigpen, Assistant Director of Philanthropy, at [email protected].