River City Bank of Blairsville is lacing up for its annual back-to-school shoe event, which is when the bank partners with Union County Family Connection to provide free new shoes to Union County children in the days before classes begin each August.
But because the need is so great, River City once again needs the community’s help to make the biggest impact possible. Right now, the bank is in the middle of its 2026 Shoe Drive that runs April 1-May 29, with the donation drop-off location at 206 Hwy 515 E in Blairsville.
Continue reading with a subscription.
North Georgia News — serving Union County since 1909.
$10 a month. Cancel anytime.
The program has been so popular in the past that River City hopes to double its collection goal to 500 pairs of new shoes this year. Generous residents are being asked to support the effort either through shoe donations or, preferably, financial contributions so staff can purchase the shoes.
River City Blairsville Market President Scott Nanney has a half-wall of shoes in his office currently, with overflow in the offices on either side of his inside the bank – but it’s still not enough to fulfill the need.
Nanney is actually the person who buys most of the shoes with monetary donations, making multiple trips a month to the Georgia 400 Outlet Mall to ensure there are enough of each shoe size for both boys and girls, and he is always immensely grateful for the community’s support.
“For many families, providing basic necessities like new shoes for the school year can be a real challenge,” Nanney said. “This initiative goes beyond simple charity – it directly impacts children’s confidence, comfort and readiness to learn.
“A new pair of shoes may seem small to some, but for students who would otherwise go without, it can make a meaningful difference in how they show up each day – both physically and emotionally. No child should have to start the school year feeling left out or unprepared because of something so essential.
“Efforts like this remind us of the power of community partnerships and local action. I encourage others to contribute if they can and help ensure every child has the opportunity to begin the school year with dignity and a sense of belonging.”
For those reasons, River City is aiming to inspire the community to join the bank in continuing to meet the footwear needs of Union County schoolchildren, so that all students can participate in school activities without having to feel the literal and emotional pain of old, tattered shoes.
Bank customers and the community at large can help by donating new athletic shoes – no used shoes will be accepted in the drive. And because the drive fills the need for students of all ages, people may purchase shoes of any size, from toddler to adult.
River City accepts donations all year long, but the big push runs through May to prepare for the new school year. Likewise, the big back-to-school event is the main time to distribute the shoes, though pairs left over from the event are given out during the year, so none go to waste.
For people who would prefer to pick out a quality pair of shoes to donate, Nanney said many students seem to prefer solid color athletic shoes, but as long as they are new tennis or athletic shoes, the bank will accept them.
