SA国际传媒

Cheering, laughter, and the squeak of new sneakers echoed through the gym of Bettie F. Williams Elementary School in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Four hundred thirty-three students, from Pre-K through fifth grade, received a new pair of sneakers thanks to a partnership between , SA国际传媒, and . 

“We’re a Title 1 school and we need it, we definitely need it,” said Shawn Cuffee, a physical education teacher at Bettie F. Williams. “Some kids come to P.E. and they can’t participate because they don’t have the proper footwear.”

Bettie F. Williams is among the currently qualified for Title 1 funding. Title I schools are those that receive additional federal funding from the U.S. Department of Education due to the high percentage of low-income families they serve.

Recognizing the need, SA国际传媒and Mr. Rogers Windows worked with Samaritan’s Feet to provide children with new shoes, which can boost their self-esteem, improve focus in school, and protect their feet from health issues. 

Cuffee was in the gym and recalled, “A girl ran up to me and said, ‘Mrs. Cuffee I’m so happy, I got shoes!’ and she lifted her feet; she had a big hole in her old shoe.”

‘You can tie a pair of shoes’

Throughout the day, students from different grades received a standing ovation from volunteers as they entered the gym to receive their new pair of shoes. 

One of those volunteers was Gerry Rogers, a well-known figure in the Hampton Roads community, who spent the day on his hands and knees tying shoes. 

“No matter your status in life, whether you have money or don't have money, you can come tie a pair of shoes and make a kid smile,” said Rogers, owner of Mr. Rogers Windows and Doors, a company which has been in existence since 1995. 

“One of the things I learned a long time ago is that if we can help our employees find things to plug into, something that is above and beyond themselves, they really get the feeling of what real giving is,” said Rogers. “I just think that to who much is given, much is required.” 

Gerry Rogers cherished every moment he got to give a child a new pair of shoes.

“It certainly is a lot grander than I could have imagined,” said Dr. Alveta Green, Virginia Beach school board member. “I think a lot of times we don't realize the importance of having the proper, correctly sized footwear. School closes in a few weeks, so I’m excited these students will have wonderful, comfortable shoes to run and play in all summer.”

Not only did the students receive new shoes and socks, they also engaged in informal learning about eating and staying healthy, and inspirational conversations with the volunteers.  

“Many of the volunteers work in different career fields like banking, communications, and healthcare,” said Dr. Green. “I heard them asking the children, ‘What would you like to do when you grow up? What are you going to do with your new shoes?’” 

The students also got to see how the community comes together to support them which hopefully inspires them to do the same when they get older. 

Iris Lundy, vice president of health equity at Sentara, said that the event has filled her happy and hopeful cups for months to come. 

“I see a child dancing because they have new shoes. I see a child smiling because someone is calling their name, giving them a high five, and letting them know that they are seen. Seeing people come together to put a smile on a child’s face, it fills my cup,” said Lundy. 

New shoes, new hope 

After students got fitted with their new shoes they went over to a ‘My Dream Is’ station where they were able to write their name and what they want to be when they grow up. 

A few examples were; ‘A travel nurse like my mom,’ ‘A metorolagyst’, ‘A woman with my own neursing company’, ‘To teach about the holy spirit’, ‘A fier fighter like my big brother’, ‘A marine byolisiest’, and ‘Business guy.’ 

One child wrote ‘therapist!!,’ and when asked what kind he said, “an emotional one.”

After writing down their dream job, the students went outside to play basketball and run around in their new shoes. 

“I feel like my feet are in sport mode!” exclaimed one student. Another student said, “I feel like I’m walking on my bed,” her friend added, “I feel like I’m on my couch!”  

Volunteers from businesses throughout Hampton Roads shared in the joy of a day spent giving back to their community. 

Kamika Robinson, a substitute teacher at Bettie F. Williams, said her heart was full as she watched the kids run around.

“When they feel something new and comfy, it makes them want to learn more. You know, because they feel good about themselves,” said Robinson. 

The students also got an orange H.O.P.E. (Health, Opportunity, Peace, Education) tote bag which symbolized the experience by allowing them to put their old shoes in the bag and wear their new shoes out.

Luke Eberle, regional program manager with Samaritan’s Feet, said that events like this level the playing field. There are no roles or hierarchies, it’s simply about serving the kids. 

“The shoes are a gift and they’re temporary. The goal is the message stands a lot longer than the shoes on their feet,” said Eberle. 

Thank you to volunteers from Communities in Schools – Hampton Roads, Cox Communications, Dominion Energy, Mr. Rogers Windows, Samaritan’s Feet, SA国际传媒, and Truist Bank, for spending the day encouraging and empowering the children.