The second annual Sneakers Give-a-way at West La Follette Baptist Church was Sunday

Melissa White with West La Follette Baptist Church slips a new sneaker on Eva Robinson’s foot during Sunday’s Sneakers Give-a-way.

A NOTE FROM THE GRAND ON CENTRAL: “There is so much good going on in our community, and I want to share all this good with you every Monday here on WLAF in hopes that you will start your week in a grand way making each week a Grand Week,” said Olivia Lobertini, owner of The Grand on Central.

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF)- Youngsters walked away in comfort from Sunday’s annual Sneakers Give-a-way hosted by West La Follette Baptist Church. “Oh, it’s amazing. It’s such a blessing,” said Sara Robinson as her four young children were fitted for new shoes.

Jai Goins gets help from Rev. Kenny Allen at West La Follette Baptist Church.

Each child that came through the church’s family life center on Sunday, 10am-2pm, received a new pair of shoes and socks. Upwards of 180 youth, grades Pre-K through 12th turned out with a parent or guardian.

Orange vested members of the West La Follette Baptist Church helped with traffic control Sunday morning into Sunday afternoon.

“When the Lord first brought me to the church, I knew I wanted to give something back to the kids. I spoke with a lady in the church about my idea, and she said let’s do this Giving away shoes was her idea. We went with it, and the Lord has absolutely blessed us,” said Kenny Allen, Pastor of West La Follette Baptist Church.

“Shoes can get pricy, especially for my four kids. And they’re constantly growing,” said Sara Robinson with a giggle. Her little ones, left to right, are Nora, Eva, Nathan and Cole.

“One of my friends goes here, and she invited me to come to church here. I enjoy coming here. The preacher, Kenny Allen, is amazing. He does great services,” said Melissa White, volunteering in Sunday’s sneakers give-a-way.

Pastor Kenny Allen and members prayed with 17 individuals during the shoe give-a-way. “We had 17 folks accept Jesus Christ as their personal savior,” said Pastor Allen.

“We’d like to invite people to come be in church with us. Sunday School begins at 9:45am followed by the eleven o’clock morning worship service, then we’re back Sunday night for a 6:30 service. Wednesdays include Bible Study along with a program for the children starting at 6:30pm,” said Pastor Allen.

More than 100 shoes were given away at the first Sneakers Give-a-way last August compared to nearly 180 this year.

“Our church has really come together for this, and we have a few students who need hours for their college commitment who helped. The majority chipping-in is the church family. Everybody is on fire for this ministry. It’s a team effort,” said Allen.

Melissa White takes a pair of sneakers for one of Sara Robinson’s (on the left) children.

“Shoes can get pricy, especially for my four kids. And they’re constantly growing,” said Robinson with a giggle.

A NOTE FROM THE GRAND ON CENTRAL: “There is so much good going on in our community, and I want to share all this good with you every Monday here on WLAF in hopes that you will start your week in a grand way making each week a Grand Week,” said Olivia Lobertini, owner of The Grand on Central.

For bookings, email Olivia Lobertini at ohlobertini03@gmail.com. Check on avails HERE.

(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-08/18/2025-6AM)

One Reply to “‘Make it a Grand Week’- Olivia Lobertini, The Grand on Central”

  1. Quit putting pictures of kids on here for publicity for the folks who are supposed to just be blessed givers! Even if parents give permission, the kids are identified as ‘needy!’ People, ESPECIALLY CHURCHES, should never need recognition for being ‘givers!’ I don’t like people ‘using’ little kids to further their cause, regardless of the cause.

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