Nearly 500 students received brand-new pairs of shoes—along with five pairs of socks each

CULLMAN, AL — The Listerhill Foundation’s Kicks for Kids initiative kicked off its 2025–2026 school year with a heartwarming Shoe Drop at Holly Pond Elementary in Holly Pond, Alabama. Nearly 500 students received brand-new pairs of shoes—along with five pairs of socks each—helping to boost their confidence, self-esteem, and readiness to learn.

This event marked the first-ever Shoe Drop in the Cullman area, expanding the reach of the Foundation’s mission to remove barriers to education. Employees from the Cullman branch of Listerhill Credit Union were excited and ready to volunteer, playing a vital role in helping the event run smoothly and ensuring every child felt seen and celebrated. This partnership between Listerhill Credit Union, the Listerhill Foundation, Holly Pond Elementary, and the local community showcases how collective efforts can make a lasting impact in students’ lives.

“We’re thrilled to begin another year of Shoe Drops and continue making a difference in the lives of local students,” said Haley Brink, Director of Philanthropy at Listerhill Credit Union. “There’s nothing quite like seeing the joy on a child’s face when they receive a new pair of shoes. It’s a simple gift that carries so much meaning.”

The day was filled with excitement and smiles as each student was individually fitted with a pair of shoes tailored to their size and style. Volunteers from Listerhill Credit Union, school staff, and community partners worked together to create a memorable experience for the children.

“I couldn’t more grateful to partner with the Listerhill Foundation and Holly Pond Elementary to bring a Shoe Drop to Cullman County," said Joel Cunnings, Branch Manager at Listerhill's Cullman Branch. "Thank you to our community partners, the school staff, and all our volunteers! Our mission at Listerhill Credit Union is to improve lives in our community, and we got to do that in a big way for kids in our own backyard. Seeing the joy and excitement on the kids’ faces beats just about everything!”

Events like this are made possible through generous donors, strong community partnerships, and a shared commitment to investing in the future of local students. The Foundation’s work reflects a broader effort to support educational success and well-being across the region.

Since its inception, the Kicks for Kids program has distributed thousands of shoes and socks to students throughout North Alabama and Southern Tennessee, helping children walk into their classrooms with confidence and dignity.

For more information, contact Haley Brink, Director of Philanthropy at [email protected], or Emma Thigpen, Assistant Director of Philanthropy, at [email protected].