Aug 25, 2026
Every child deserves a pair of shoes that fits comfortably and allows them to walk into school, play with friends, and go about their day with confidence. But for many families in distressed Appalachian communities, buying a brand-new pair of shoes can...
Jan 26, 2026
The Americans Helping Americans® basic needs program provides essentials such as coats, blankets, and dental kits, along with grants to local partners for utility bill assistance, eviction prevention, and ensuring electricity for medical needs. This program also...
Aug 22, 2025
Why New Shoes Matter for Kids in Appalachia Throughout Appalachia, countless children arrive at school in worn-out, ill-fitting, hand-me-down shoes, often with more holes than soles. “Without a good pair of shoes, the kids feel embarrassed, discouraged, or left out –...
Jan 18, 2025
For a child growing up in poverty in Appalachia, the pair of shoes they are wearing today likely came from an older sibling, or perhaps even a parent. And it’s not unlikely that shoes are too large, or too small, are worn out well beyond their useful life and perhaps...
Sep 6, 2024
Barefoot No Longer: Helping Appalachian Children Walk Into a Brighter Future Every child deserves a proper pair of shoes. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), one of the most crucial back-to-school purchases for any parent is a well-fitting...
Oct 2, 2023
Having a nice new pair of shoes (or several) that actually fit and are not pretty much worn out before even putting them on for the first time is something most kids in the U.S. take for granted, especially with the start of a new school year and the coming of the...
