Troy football team teams up and gives back

Troy football teamed up with The Lids Foundation and nonprofit Shoes That Fit to give students at Troy Elementary School brand new shoes and hats Monday morning. 

Over 1,000 students received athletic shoes from name brands such as Nike and Adidas, as well as hats provided by Lids, an athletic hat company. Troy Elementary School students also had the chance to meet Troy football student-athletes, Head Coach Gerad Parker and T-Roy, who helped pass out the gifts. 

Hunter Boozer photo

Trojans and T-Roy stand with Troy Elementary students who hold their gifts.

“There’s nothing better than serving,” Parker said. “I think any time you get a chance to serve, no matter who it is or the age, there’s a good feeling that comes from that.” 

According to Shoes That Fit, one in seven children in the United States live in poverty and are typically unable to afford new shoes. Their goal for these events is to tackle that need and allow kids to attend school confidently. 

With the holiday season coming soon, the event gives a chance for less fortunate kids to receive the gift of joy. For athletes like defensive spear Devin Lafayette, giving shoes and hats to the kids allows them to see the impact they can have on the community. 

“Growing up, I didn’t have an opportunity like this to where you have people come around and give out hats and shoes and stuff like that,” Lafayette said. “It’s really a huge blessing to some of these kids to get these hats and these shoes and see the smiles on their faces.” 

The Lids Foundation is the charity branch of Lids, and they aim to support nonprofit organizations by providing funds for playgrounds, school supplies and environmental activities. The Lids Foundation is in the second year of supporting Shoes That Fit, and Executive Director Sarah Lym says she already sees a strong impact the partnership has on the children. 

“It’s been really great to be able to get the kids, and I think the mission is really to let them feel how special and cared for they are here,” said Lym. “To see the community just rally around not only the mission, but especially the kids here, it’s been just the best.” 

Shoes That Fit and The Lids Foundation operate nationwide. In a time where assistance for less fortunate families is limited due to circumstances out of their control, events like this help bridge the gap and allow kids to be on equal ground.