MARYVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — Amid soaring retail inflation and cost-of-living pressures, Revolution Church kicked off its 19th annual “Helping Hands” back-to-school initiative on Saturday, drawing a record number of registrations from East Tennessee families seeking financial relief.
The first of two massive weekend distribution events took place yesterday, July 18, at the church’s Maryville campus on East Lamar Alexander Parkway, serving roughly 1,900 families. A second event is scheduled to take place this coming Saturday, July 25, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Greenback High School, where organizers anticipate aiding an additional 1,100 families. Combined, the events will support nearly 3,000 families across the region with the help of more than 500 volunteers.
Rising Prices Drive Families to Seek Assistance
The National Retail Federation estimates that families will spend an average of $863 on back-to-school necessities this year, a daunting reality for parents like Brittany Burkett, a mother of three boys.
“Having three boys, especially the school supply list, can get very pricey,” Burkett said. “So it’s just amazing that Revolution was willing to help the community like this and give haircuts and supplies, socks, shoes. It’s going to help us start on the right foot, especially knowing that they have everything they need and they’ll feel more confident after their haircuts.”
One of the event’s most heavily utilized resources is the distribution of a brand-new pair of shoes for every child. Revolution Church Senior Pastor Pacer Hepperly noted that global retail hikes drastically escalated their operational costs this year.
To ensure no child went without, the church partnered with local businesses to raise more than $176,000 exclusively to fund the shoe drive.
“This year the dollar amount for the shoes has drastically increased,” Hepperly said. “And I think that’s why we’re having a record number of participants and registrations. Just cost of living. It’s really all about just trying to be the hands and feet of Jesus, showing the love of Jesus to our community.”
Ongoing Support for Area Students
The Helping Hands program operates well past the July push. Hepperly emphasized that the church coordinates year-round with area school guidance counselors. When a student is identified as needing footwear during the academic year, the church steps in immediately to provide shoe purchase cards.
Organizers stress that while pre-registration was encouraged, any families who missed the window are still welcome to attend this coming Saturday’s event at Greenback High School, as volunteers work to accommodate walk-ins on-site.
