Union County students are invited to take part in what has become a local “Back to School” tradition – receiving a free pair of new, name-brand shoes donated for them by generous individuals and businesses in the community.
Just in time for classes to start, children in need of new shoes can simply swing by with their parents to Union County Family Connection on Friday, Aug. 1, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., or Tuesday, Aug. 5, from 1-3 p.m.
Continue reading with a subscription.
North Georgia News — serving Union County since 1909.
Cancel anytime.
The Family Connection Office is now located at 165 Stadium Drive, in the former third grade building right next to the football stadium on campus.
Aside from the shoelaces, there are no strings attached. All Union County schoolchildren are eligible to pick out and take home a free new pair of shoes. Size availability ranges from toddler through adult, and students’ feet will be measured for proper fitting.
To make this possible, Family Connection has again teamed up with River City Bank, which initially learned of the need in 2023 and sprang into action to fill it.
Now in its second full year of coordinating shoe donations for local students, River City sees its annual shoe drive – which occurred in March this year – as a way for the community bank to give back to the community.
And the community has come right alongside River City in filling the need, donating more than 300 pairs of shoes in 2025; that’s over 50 pairs more than the first year of collections.
River City has also solicited monetary contributions for the purchase of additional shoes, which helps Family Connection in the event that certain sizes run out. That money will surely come in handy this year, as extra shoes had to be bought in 2024 due to the popularity of the event.
“For us at Family Connection, the shoe giveaway has two purposes,” Program Coordinator Katy Jones said. “One, help relieve a financial concern for parents and caregivers at a time of year that can be stressful and expensive, and two, to give students a sense of pride to help them feel like they are prepared and eager to head to school on that first day.
“We truly could not accomplish these goals without the help of River City and our giving community.”
River City Bank Blairsville Market President Scott Nanney said his organization is happy to sponsor the event, believing that when kids get new shoes, especially a quality brand, they feel good because they look good, and that confidence leads to better classroom performance.
“It’s about helping kids, it’s not about River City Bank – we’re just a vessel for that,” Nanney said. “You need to help out the community. Period.”
Of course, parents are incredibly grateful for the opportunity. Assistant Vice President Katie Mashburn of River City Blairsville attended the shoe distribution last year, and she heard from many people just how much the event helps.
“A lot of families shared, ‘We were able to get the backpack from Backpack 2 School, we got a free haircut from Naavah (Hair Studio), but I didn’t know how I was going to handle the shoes,’” Mashburn said. “So, we had a lot of families say that was kind of the last thing they needed.
“But it’s expensive, especially for good shoes, and especially if you have multiple kids, then you’re looking at a couple hundred dollars right out of the gate for decent shoes. And that’s what we try to go for with this event, to provide quality shoes.
“We ask specifically for name brand for that reason so that the shoes will last at least six months if not the full year. And (asking for) athletic shoes is intentional as well so that they can participate in all of the programs at school, P.E. and recess, without foot pain.”
Added Mashburn, “This is just a small way we can ease that (financial) burden for parents and also provide that boost for the kids at the beginning of the school year.”
Nanney said River City looks forward to bringing the shoe drive and distribution back annually, and he is truly thankful for the many local businesses and individuals who make possible an event that brings smiles to the faces of hundreds of deserving local children.
Family Connection will store shoes left over from the event for distribution throughout the school year, so any family with a need for shoes can contact the office.
Regarding the above reference to Naavah Hair Studio, people can attend the Fourth Annual “Back to School Haircuts” event on Aug. 2 from 9 a.m. to 12 for free wet cuts for kids aged pre-K through 12th grade. Naavah is located at 199 Cleveland Street in Blairsville.
“Walk-in only, no appointments needed,” Naavah said on social media. “Harmony Grove Baptist Church & House of Prayer Church will be providing fun activities for the children while you wait.”
