Allen Edmonds, The Great American Shoe Company, and 150 Retailers Partner with Soles4Souls® in National Fundraising Effort to Provide New and 'Gently Worn' Shoes for People in Need

PORT WASHINGTON, Wis., Feb. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Allen Edmonds, the U.S.-based manufacturer of premium men's footwear and accessories, announced today that it will again partner with Soles4Souls® Inc. in a national shoe drive from February 21 through March 13 to donate new and "gently worn" shoes for victims of war, natural disasters and economic crises in the U.S. and around the globe.

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"This is our third year partnering with Soles4Souls," said Colin Hall, Senior Vice President and CMO of Allen Edmonds. "We couldn't be more delighted to have more than 150 of our U.S. retailer partners participating in the effort this year."

Soles4Souls is one of the largest, most streamlined efforts to help provide shoes to the estimated 300 million children and 1.5 million adults across the world without a single pair of shoes. To date, Allen Edmonds and its customers have donated over 5,000 pairs of shoes to the Soles4Souls mission. Allen Edmonds' goal for this year's effort is to collect 11,000 pairs of shoes as part of the Soles4Souls "11 in 11" initiative to collect and distribute 11 million pairs of shoes in 2011.

"This is a thoughtful and convenient way for people to help millions around the planet," said Paul Grangaard, President and CEO of Allen Edmonds.  "Soles4Souls captured the hearts and minds of our customers last year.  We were touched by how many people came forward to help, and we're excited to expand our program's impact this year."

Retailers Serve as Local Shoe Depositories

Under the Allen Edmonds effort, Allen Edmonds retail and outlet stores and select Allen Edmonds dealers collect shoes donated by consumers for shipment to Soles4Souls.  As a thank you, consumers receive a $35 discount on a new pair of Allen Edmonds business or casual shoes.  In addition, consumers can choose to purchase and immediately donate new Allen Edmonds shoes to the program. No purchase is necessary to donate shoes so consumers are encouraged to clean out their closets and donate a pair of the estimated 300 million pairs of shoes that lay idle in American closets.

Unique "Pay-It-Forward" Online Option

In addition to the store depositories, consumers can visit www.allenedmonds.com and purchase shoes during the charity drive and immediately receive $35 off their shoe purchase.  Shoes will be shipped with a pre-paid and pre-addressed return shipping label so that consumers can use the same box to donate a slightly worn pair of shoes in a unique "pay-it-forward" Ecommerce initiative.

"We're proud that Allen Edmonds remains a committed and enthusiastic partner in our cause," said Wayne Elsey, founder and CEO of Soles4Souls.  "Their ability to enlist and coordinate the participation of more than 150 retailer partners and develop the highly innovative Ecommerce charity initiative for this effort is nothing short of extraordinary.  The global need for shoe donations continues to grow, and we're grateful that Allen Edmonds and its retailers have again stepped up to support our mission."  

Consumers can also donate shoes online or make a financial donation at both www.allenedmonds.com and www.soles4souls.org. For every dollar donated, Soles4Souls will provide a person in need with a pair of shoes. Visit www.allenedmonds.com/soles4souls to learn more and find a participating retailer near you.

About Allen Edmonds Shoe Corporation

Founded in 1922, Allen Edmonds Shoe Corporation is a privately held, U.S.-based manufacturer of premium men's footwear and accessories. Taking shoemaking to the level of an art form, Allen Edmonds footwear is handcrafted in Port Washington, Wis., using a 212-step production process. Allen Edmonds products are available at upscale stores worldwide, including 32 Allen Edmonds stores across the United States, and online at www.allenedmonds.com.

About Soles4Souls®

Soles4Souls collects, recycles and reuses shoes from warehouses of footwear companies and the closets of individual consumers like you.  Since 2005, Soles4Souls has donated more than 13 million pairs of new and gently worn shoes (currently distributing one pair every seven seconds) to people in 125 countries, including Haiti, Kenya, Nepal and the United States. Those who graciously give (rather than destroy) unused inventory are assured their donations are distributed to people around the world living in desperate need. Donating parties are also eligible for a charitable tax deduction. Visit www.soles4souls.org for more information.

SOURCE Allen Edmonds