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 be out of reach.
That’s where Americans Helping Americans® steps in. Through our Barefeet program, we provide cash grants to four partner organizations in Georgia, Kentucky, and West Virginia to help provide much-needed new shoes to more than 300 children living in distressed Appalachian communities each year.
“For many children in low-income rural areas of America, owning a brand-new pair of shoes is a luxury,” comments Americans Helping Americans® executive director Cameron Krizek. “Many families are unable to afford shoes (at an average cost of $30).
“Some children wear ill-fitting secondhand shoes from brothers or sisters,” he adds. “Some might be wearing the wrong-gendered shoes – which often results in bullying.”
Dyanne Spriggs, executive director of Big Creek People in Action (BCPIA), our partner in McDowell County, West Virginia, told us earlier this year about a mother who came to the family pantry for an unusual request.
It wasn’t just that her teenage son needed a new pair of shoes – it was that he wears a size 14.
“She told us it was so difficult to find a pair of shoes she could afford for him,” Dyanne reported.
But as luck would have it, “she arrived at the right time because we had some bigger shoe size shoes.
“We let her pick a pair to take home to let her son try on,” said Dyanne, who told her that if they didn’t fit to come back and she could try another pair.
However, “a few days later she called us and was so happy to tell us that they had indeed fit and that she was so thankful for the shoes.
The woman was also grateful that now “she didn’t have to worry about one of her bills not being paid if she had had to buy him a new pair herself.”
Dyanne added, “Shoes are a critical need in this area.
“It’s always great to be able to give people a pair of shoes that actually fit.”
In Gainesville, Georgia, LAMP Ministries programs director Wendy Franklin told us in LAMP’s request for funding for the Barefeet program this year that, “Unfortunately, there are several people with their families who need shoes.
“Most of our families are low-income families. We service anyone that needs help.”
Wendy asks, if it weren’t for the supporters of Americans Helping Americans® and LAMP, “Who would give them shoes to wear?
“These basic needs are the most urgently needed by our community,” says Wendy. “If this program was not funded, many in our community would not receive what they needed.”
In Lee County, Kentucky, Americans Helping Americans® provides grant funding to both the Lee County Family Resource Center (FRC), which serves elementary-school-age children, and the Lee County Middle/High School’s Youth Service Center (YSC).
Carla Lyons, supervisor of the Lee County Family Resource and Youth Services Centers (FRYSC), notes that 87 percent of the county’s elementary, middle and high school students qualify for free or reduced-price meals, “demonstrating the significant financial need within our school population.
“We believe that students are best able to pursue their dreams when their basic needs are met,” says Carla, adding that “the Family Resource Center is an essential part of that mission.
“We work to remove barriers to learning by providing students and families with access to basic necessities such as shoes, clothing, hygiene items, food resources, and connections to community services.
“For many of our students, a new pair of properly fitting shoes is more than a necessity—it is an investment in their confidence, school attendance, participation in activities, and overall well-being.
“By meeting these fundamental needs, we help ensure that every student has the opportunity to focus on learning and achieving their full potential.”
Located in a rural community where many families face financial hardship, Carla says, “this funding will help ensure that students have properly fitting, high-quality shoes that support their health, confidence, and ability to fully participate in school and extracurricular activities.”
She also points out that the program not only benefits the students and their families but also supports the local economy.
“We partner with our community's only department store (Rose Bros in downtown Beattyville, a family-owned business operating since 1931) and schedule shopping events where eligible students and their families can select a new pair of shoes.
“The Family Resource Center staff meet with each family during their scheduled appointment, making the experience both personal and meaningful.
“For many of our students, this is one of the few opportunities they have to choose a brand-new pair of name-brand shoes.
“The experience provides more than just footwear—it gives students a sense of pride, dignity, and excitement.
“Wearing new shoes helps boost their confidence, reduces barriers to school attendance and participation, and allows them to feel included alongside their peers.
“By investing in this program, you are investing in the well-being of our students, supporting local families, and strengthening a small rural community where every partnership makes a meaningful difference.”
This year, Cameron expects 355 low-income children and youth to receive a new pair of shoes thanks to the supporters of Americans Helping Americans®.
