Step Up Tennessee

Hope Through Healing Hands (HTHH), a nonprofit founded by Former U.S. Senate Majority Leader 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.

“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,” says 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.

Hope4Schools

Hope Through Healing Hands (HTHH), a nonprofit founded by Former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Senator Bill Frist, M.D., has announced a partnership with Nashville-based Soles4Souls to bring aid children living in extreme poverty in Central America, South America, and the Carribbean.  


“Shoes are integral to combating neglected tropical diseases, like hookworm and other soil-transmitted diseases, which disable, disfigure, and cause death to over 1.4 billion people around the world. Shoes are also necessary as a part of the school uniform in many countries. When a child living in extreme poverty receives a pair of shoes, you are offering her the opportunity for better health and an education,” states Dr. Frist.


"We are honored to partner with Hope Through Healing Hands to benefit thousands of needy children in Central and South America," said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls. "Hope4School is a program that aims to give needy children the attire needed to attend public schools. A pair of new shoes is a simple way to provide access to an education and a better life for so many children," he said.


One out of five people living in the world today survive on less than $1 per day.  Over 20% of our fellow human beings are categorized as living in extreme poverty -- without electricity, running water or adequate clothing.  This includes footwear, which is a luxury item in many parts of the world.


Many diseases, infections and injuries are caused through cuts, abrasions and bacteria accumulated through the feet.  In many developing nations, the difference between receiving an education or being refused is simply a pair of shoes, the final hurdle to gain access to school because it qualifies the child as having an adequate school uniform.


In this way, a pair of shoes is much more than a covering for one's feet -- they are a ticket to a better future.