Hope Through Healing Hands (HTHH), a nonprofit founded by former Senator Bill Frist, M.D., has announced a partnership with Nashville-based Soles4Souls to benefit over 100,000 Tennessee children who are in need of a good pair of athletic shoes. This number, based upon a random sample analysis conducted by the Department of Sociology at Vanderbilt University, represents a need in over 16% of Tennessee children in elementary and middle schools. The study was initiated and funded by both organizations.
Soles4Souls, the international charity that has distributed over 6 million pairs of new and gently worn shoes to people in need worldwide, has set up a fundraising website: www.hopeshoes.org to provide more information and to reserve sponsorships for new shoes.
"Providing shoes for children in need promotes wellness, physical education, and play; all key components for a strong, successful foundation in health and education. Fun exercise is one critical factor in combating childhood obesity and encouraging a healthier lifestyle," said Dr. Frist.
"We are honored to partner with Hope Through Healing Hands and work together to benefit needy children in Tennessee," said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls. "Step Up Tennessee is designed to provide a simple yet effective way for people to assist a child right here in our own state. It's important that we offer real solutions to our neighbors at the same time we are reaching out to people around the world," he said.
A sponsorship of $20 from an individual or company will guarantee that an at-risk child in Tennessee will receive a new pair of athletic shoes.
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