Payless Needs Nonprofits to Give Away Shoes

Payless, the ubiquitous low price shoe store, is giving away shoes and needs the help of nonprofits. The “Payless Gives Shoes 4 Kids” program aims to deliver more than $1.2 million worth of children’s shoes to families in need this holiday season.

“A great pair of shoes can lift spirits, bolster self esteem and, as we witnessed first-hand when we launched the program last year, bring a huge smile to a child’s face,” said LuAnn Via, CEO of Payless. “We hope to take one concern off parents’ plates for tens of thousands of families this holiday season.”

Partner nonprofits will distribute 77,000 gift coupons good for $15 toward a new pair of children’s shoes, and that can be used through Feb. 28, 2010,.

Nonprofits can apply, until October 30, at paylessgives.com. Core selection criteria includes a mission to serve children and families in the local area, direct access to underprivileged children in local communities, the means to distribute the coupons by Dec. 24, and close proximity to Payless stores.

The campaign will reach needy children through Payless stores located in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and in 10 Latin American countries including the Dominican Republic, Trinidad & Tobago, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Panama, Honduras, Nicaragua and Colombia.