NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A new pair of sneakers was one less thing some students had to worry about this school year thanks to one Nashville middle school teacher.

Makayla Nash, a teacher at John Early Middle School in North Nashville, said she’s always had a heart for giving back. This year, the gift came in the form of 100 Nike Air Force 1’s, made possible by JD Sports and Finish Line.

Nash said her students were elated. “The joy of seeing their faces makes it all worth it,” she said.

The kind gesture quickly went viral online, leaving many on social media inspired by Nash’s desire to give back.

“I just posted the picture on Twitter to get more awareness on different social media platforms,” said Nash. “I woke up in the morning and it had blew up overnight, it was such a blessing it happened so fast.”

As a Restorative Practices Specialist for Metro Nashville Public Schools, Nash said she works with students whose average household income is under $18,500 a year, making it difficult for them to purchase well-made or name-brand clothing.

While working at John Early Middle, Nash said she soon learned most of her student’s challenges came from not feeling confident in the clothing they wore.

“A lot of those problems stem from their appearance,” explained Nash. “Not wanting to go in class because of the shoes they have on or how they looked in the morning, so it was basically just a way for me to give those resources to children.”

According to Nash, this is one of the reasons why she founded the Drip Drive, a nonprofit organization that helps gift students receive new outfits throughout the school year, which is made possible by community donors and partners.

“I go to different middle schools and I set them up like shopping malls, and students come pick out a whole name brand or designer outfit for free,” Nash told News 2.

The Drip Drive was founded in 2023, and now the nonprofit hosts three to four events per year.

“Local celebrities, different professional athletes, a lot of people from the Titans have donated to us,” said Nash. “Just getting the word out there through social media has played a big role in getting different clothing donations.”

Nash hopes to continue growing the Drip Drive locally, and even nationally, to reach more students who might need financial assistance.