TOPEKA, Kan. (Nov. 11, 2008)—Payless ShoeSource is getting into the holiday spirit by launching a grassroots shoe gifting campaign. Through its Payless Gives Shoes 4 Kids program, the family footwear retailer will give more than 65,000 coupons worth $15 toward a pair of shoes to American families of children in need. In the hopes of delivering more than $1 million of shoes, the coupons are redeemable through Jan. 31 at most of the 4,000 stores nationwide.

Toddler Smart Fit Heart Mary Jane from Payless

“With the economic challenges in America today, the underprivileged are hurt more than any other group. Now more than ever, it’s important to step up and help out,” says Matthew E. Rubel, chairman and CEO of Collective Brands, Inc., which owns Payless ShoeSource. “Footwear is a basic need that many of us take for granted, yet a significant portion of children across America need shoes.”

Payless took a grassroots approach to ensure diverse and immediate nationwide coverage in delivering the coupons, which will be distributed through a partnership network of local non-profit organizations.

“Holidays can be stressful enough, but in today’s economy with rising unemployment, high gas and food prices, we want to take one thing off parents’ plates and alleviate this basic need for thousands of families this holiday season,” Rubel said.

Non-profit organizations interested in participating can apply at http://www.paylessgives.com/ by completing a short online application. The application process for non-profit partners of the Payless Gives Shoes 4 Kids program 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.

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.

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