Brown bag shopping takes on new meaning when that brown bag is stamped with a sharp, black COACH logo. Those bags dangled from over 600 wrists Wednesday, December 18th, during a Christmas party honoring Robertson County School support staff. Teacher assistants, translators, front office staff, school nutrition workers, bus drivers–all enjoyed a merry party in their honor at the Family Resource Center in Springfield.

Jenni Dusky, Family Liaison and School Social Worker for Robertson County Schools, coordinated the event. “They work so hard for our students, and we want to show them appreciation and love this holiday season!” Jenni and her “Merry”-clad crew flitted around the room, answering questions, snapping pictures, and smiling a lot. 

Soles4Souls, as part of their  4EveryTeacher initiative, partnered with Coach to fill the room full of Coach bags, wallets and accessories. “The staff (did) not know what they will be receiving,” Jenni said. The hope was to create a fun holiday surprise.

The murmur of glee trickling out of the building, the countless smiles and wide-eyed expressions, revealed that the secret had been kept and the gifts were hitting their mark. 

Cathy Watkins, who has worked in the RCS Central Office for 38 years says, “Was really, really nice, good to be thought of in this way.”

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Dorisha West, a 15 year RCS employee who works with behaviorally challenged students, says breathlessly, “This is so amazing! I can’t decide!” as she turns a black Coach backpack over in her hands. The plastic protective casing and price tag still intact, the party felt like an exclusive shopping experience.

A beverage station courtesy of Demetria White, Chris Armantrout, Historic Perk, Walmart, and several other local businesses, beckoned visitors to sip and shop, savoring the merriment with hot cocoa or fruit tea.

A longtime RCS employee of 12 years, Candi Collett, exclaimed, “Oh, my goodness! They’ve never done this before! I’ve never owned a Coach item!”

Perhaps the gratitude grafted into every Coach bag and accessory is the best gift of all for the RCS support staff–it’s a memory they will recall with every zipper close and shoulder strap sling. 

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About the FRC: The Family Resource Center is located in Bransford Early Learning School. The staff works to remove barriers that prohibit academic success across the district. The FRC Director and School Social Workers provide support and resources to students and families in need. 

About Soles4Souls: Soles4Souls turns shoes and clothing into educational and economic opportunities. Our programs, 4Opportunity, 4Relief, and 4EveryKid, aim to make a positive difference on the planet and in people’s economic, educational, physical, and psychosocial well-being. Since 2006, more than 94 million pairs of shoes and pieces of clothing have helped create opportunities for people across 138 countries. Soles4Souls is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, with Regional Donation Centers and warehouse locations around the world. Visit soles4souls.org for more information.