In response to today’s challenging economic climate and a general need for shoes by so many kids across America, Payless is giving $1 million in shoes – more than 65,000 pairs – to families of children in need this holiday season through its first-ever Payless Gives Shoes 4 Kids program.

The company is embarking on a grass roots approach through a partnership with localized non-profit organizations nationwide to distribute the shoes gifts. In today’s tight economy, many of these local nonprofits are often under-supported as well.  Local charities interested in joining the campaign simply need to complete a short online application at www.paylessgives.com.

Payless will select as many well-suited non-profits as possible to serve as its partners in the massive grass roots shoe-gifting effort.   In early December the company expects to announce all of its selected partners with an aim of blanketing the nation in both urban cities with dense populations, as well as rural regions of the United States.

A Call to Non-Profits Nationwide

Non-profit organizations interested in participating can apply at www.paylessgives.com by completing a short online application.  Selection criteria for non-profit participation includes IRC 501(c)(3) status, as well as direct access to underprivileged children in local communities during December.  The application process for non-profit partners of the Payless Gives Shoes 4 Kids program starts today and ends Nov. 21.  Selected partners will be notified and the shoe gift coupons will be distributed in various quantities to the partners based on the number of constituents they serve.

Payless will select as many well-suited non-profits as possible to serve as its partners in the significant grass roots shoe-gifting effort.   In early December the company expects to announce all of its selected partners with an aim of blanketing the nation in both urban cities with dense populations, as well as rural regions of the United States.  

Greater Horizons of Kansas City will serve as the independent third-party to manage the selection process based on Payless’ core selection criteria.   Greater Horizons, also a non-profit, is focused on helping donors connect with local and national charitable causes nationwide.  

“Our mantra is ‘when the causes you care about reach far and wide’ and that fits very well with this new Payless program,” said Brenda Chumley, executive director of Greater Horizons.  “We are thrilled to assist in connecting Payless to the non-profit organizations that make most sense given the goals of the program – to get a free pair of shoes into the hands of underprivileged children across America this holiday season.”

About Payless

Payless ShoeSource, Inc., a unit of Collective Brands, Inc., is the largest specialty family footwear retailer in the Western Hemisphere and is dedicated to democratizing fashion and design in footwear and accessories and inspiring fun, fashion possibilities for the family at a great value.  As of the end of second quarter 2008, the company operated more than 4,500 stores.  In addition, customers can buy shoes over the Internet through Payless.com® at www.payless.com.

Collective Brands, Inc. (NYSE: PSS) is a leader in bringing compelling lifestyle, fashion and performance brands for footwear and related accessories to consumers worldwide.   The company operates three strategic units covering a powerful brand portfolio, as well as multiple price points and selling channels including retail, wholesale, ecommerce and licensing.    Collective Brands, Inc. includes Payless ShoeSource, focused on democratizing fashion and design in footwear and accessories through its more than 4,500-store retail chain, with its brands American Eagle™, Airwalk®, Dexter®, Champion® and designer collections Abaeté for Payless, Lela Rose for Payless and alice + olivia for Payless, among others;  Stride Rite, focused on lifestyle and athletic branded footwear and high-quality children’s footwear sold primarily through wholesaling, with its brands  including Stride Rite®, Keds®, Sperry Top-Sider®, Robeez®, and Saucony®, among others; and Collective Licensing International, the brand development, management and global licensing unit, with such youth lifestyle brands as Airwalk®, Vision Street Wear®, Sims®, Lamar® and LTD®, World Snowboarding Championships™, Sugarboards®, Carve®, genetic®, Dukes™, Rage®, Ultra-Wheels®, and Skate Attack® brands. Information about, and links for shopping on, each of the Collective Brand’s units can be found at http://www.collectivebrands.com.                                                                  

About Greater Horizons

Greater Horizons helps donors across the entire Kansas and Missouri region connect with local and national charitable causes and encourages donors, no matter where they live, to reconnect with causes in their hometown. 

Learn more about Payless
Learn more about Collective Brands.
Read more Footwear News.

Laura Poretzky Abaete Payless Fall 2008 Collection
Fashion Article Posted February 6, 2008