A Step in the Right Direction

PIKEVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) – Tennessee First Lady Maria Lee visited Bledsoe County today as part of her ongoing mission to uplift the state’s most vulnerable communities. 

At Pikeville Elementary School, she partnered with the nonprofit Samaritan’s Feet to distribute new shoes and socks to every student in the Bledsoe County School District.

The event, which also took place across the county’s middle and high schools, is part of a larger effort to support underserved areas through First Lady Lee’s Tennessee Serves initiative. This initiative focuses on mobilizing Tennesseans to volunteer, give back, and meet the needs of communities in distress.

Bledsoe County is one of the state’s 30 distressed counties, and today’s event highlighted the importance of service and community support. For the students at Pikeville Elementary, it wasn’t just about receiving a new pair of shoes—it was about feeling seen, valued, and cared for. Volunteers washed feet, fitted shoes, and made sure every child walked away with not just new shoes, but a renewed sense of confidence.

This two-day event across Bledsoe County served over 1,000 students, providing them with the basic yet powerful gift of new shoes—something many of these children had never experienced before. 

The work of Samaritan’s Feet, a nonprofit that has served millions of people worldwide, played a pivotal role in making this event possible. Their goal isn’t just to give shoes but to provide a lasting moment of dignity for each child they serve.

Maria Lee’s Tennessee Serves initiative is more than just a program—it’s a call to action for Tennesseans to come together and make a difference in their communities. Since launching the initiative, First Lady Lee has traveled across the state to support local nonprofits, volunteer organizations, and community projects that focus on empowering families and lifting them out of economic hardship.

For Lee, these events are personal. Her mission is clear: to serve and uplift the people of Tennessee, especially in rural areas like Bledsoe County, where opportunities can sometimes feel out of reach.

Today’s event in Pikeville serves as one more step in the First Lady’s ongoing efforts to make Tennessee a state where every community, no matter the challenges it faces, is supported and cared for. It’s a reminder that no matter how big or small, acts of kindness can make a lasting impact.