Cumberlands Welcomes Around 800 Students for 2026 Shoes 4 the Soul

Annual service event brings together nearly 500 volunteers to serve local schoolchildren.

University of the Cumberlands recently hosted its annual Shoes 4 the Soul initiative, welcoming around 800 elementary and intermediate students to its Williamsburg, Kentucky, campus.

Each year, Cumberlands students, faculty, and staff provide local schoolchildren with new shoes, socks, and backpacks filled with school supplies. This year, Cumberlands also collaborated with community partners to make the event happen: Shoe Sensation of Williamsburg helped with the purchase of the shoes, Dayspring donated toothbrushes, and Forcht Bank brought ice cream as a special treat for students to end the day.

But Shoes 4 the Soul is about more than providing new shoes, supplies, or even ice cream. At its heart, it's a day of service, encouragement, and connection.

After arriving at Rollins Gym, each child is paired with a Cumberlands student "buddy" who guides them through every part of the experience. One of the most meaningful moments comes when a Cumberlands student washes the child's feet, echoing the humility and love modeled by Christ. From there, buddies help the children select a new pair of shoes and break them in with a fun race.

Throughout the day, the focus is on making each child feel cared for while giving Cumberlands students a chance to put servant leadership into practice.

The 2026 event served nearly 100 more children than the previous year, an increase made possible through the dedication of Cumberlands' Campus Ministries staff.

Growing Shoes 4 the Soul to Reach More Local Children

This year marked the first Shoes 4 the Soul event under Brad Pearce, campus minister at Cumberlands. When reflecting on its growth, Pearce gives much of the credit to his team.

"Rachel Li, associate campus minister, and Hannah Baldauff, ministry coordinator, have really put a lot of effort into this. We've been able to put in some new structures that allowed us to serve even more kids this year, and we're looking to serve more next year," he explained. "And that's what it's all about, finding ways to better serve our community."

While Shoes 4 the Soul continues to grow, the focus remains on making the day meaningful for each child who attends.

"I think the event inspires and encourages the children," said Debbie Crusenberry, a staff member at Whitley Central Intermediate. "They continue to talk about Cumberlands for several days afterward."

Crusenberry has attended Shoes 4 the Soul for several years, and while she has watched the event continue to improve, there was something special about experiencing it for the first time.

"The first year I came here, I did cry," she said. "To know that these students put that much time into wanting to help these little kids and to be role models for them; it's incredible."

Why Cumberlands Students Serve at Shoes 4 the Soul

The lasting impression Crusenberry experienced is not limited to the children and teachers who attend. Shoes 4 the Soul also impacts the Cumberlands students who volunteer, many of whom return year after year.

Micah Miller, a Cumberlands senior and member of the women's wrestling team, has participated in Shoes 4 the Soul all four years of her college career. During that time, Miller has washed children's feet, helped them find new shoes, and filled other roles as needed.

"This is my favorite event of the year. I think the symbolism of getting to wash kids' feet like Jesus did his disciples is the ultimate sign of 'I'm here to serve,'" she explained.

Miller was one of approximately 360 Cumberlands students who volunteered this year. Nearly 140 faculty and staff members joined them, bringing the total number of volunteers to nearly 500.

How Service Prepares Cumberlands Students to Lead

The commitment to helping others demonstrated through Shoes 4 the Soul reflects the university's mission, which is grounded in Christian principles and leadership through service.

At University of the Cumberlands, students have opportunities not only to pursue a quality education but also to grow as individuals and service-minded leaders.

According to Trey Jarboe, executive vice president for student experience, Shoes 4 the Soul is one of many ways students can put those principles into practice as they prepare for their lives and careers beyond college.

"We are forming a different type of professional here. Our graduates leave with an understanding that caring for and serving others is part of what it means to lead well.

Whether they go into teaching, nursing, social work, or any other field, they carry that with them. That's what makes our graduates different."

For the nearly 800 children who came to campus, Shoes 4 the Soul meant a new pair of shoes, school supplies, and time spent with someone who encouraged them.

For Cumberlands students, the experience offered something different: a chance to develop the kind of leadership they will carry into their communities and careers long after graduation.

Learn more about opportunities to serve at University of the Cumberlands.

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