If the shoe fits, give it away

Photos by Charlie Hutson

TOP PHOTO: On Saturday at the third annual West La Follette Baptist Church shoe give-a-way, Elvie Draughn helps her youngest son Ethan try on a new pair of sneakers. Left to right are father William, Ethan, Willie and mother Elvie Draughn.

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF)- “Our first year giving away shoes, a little boy said he’d never had a new pair of shoes. That memory has stayed with me,” said Kenny Allen, Pastor of West La Follette Baptist Church. The church hosted its third annual shoe and sock give-a-way on Saturday as youngsters walked away in comfort. 

Each child that came through the church’s family life center received a new pair of sneakers and socks plus a bag of hygiene items. Upwards of 275 youth, grades Pre-K through 12th turned out with a parent or guardian.

William Draughn’s sister told him about the shoe give-a-way, and he and his family came to last and this year’s event. Draughn and his family attend church at WLBC when the work schedule permits. “I work second shift maintenance, and my wife Elvie is in processing on first shift,” said William Draughn. The couple live in La Follette and works at the same Campbell County plant.

“We like to come here (to church services) on Sundays, and the free shoes program is perfect,” said Elvie Draughn, William’s wife and mother of Ethan and Willie.

“Events like this help; anything helps. This is a great ministry for the community,” said William Draughn.

“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.

“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.  

See the full photo gallery HERE from WLAF’s Charlie Hutson. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-08/10/2026-6AM)