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., March 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Allen Edmonds, the U.S.-based manufacturer of premium men's footwear and accessories, and charitable partner Soles4Souls® Inc. are in their last week of a national shoe drive, which runs through March 10. Consumers are encouraged to donate new and "gently worn" shoes to victims of natural disasters and extreme poverty in the U.S. and around the globe. 

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Joining Allen Edmonds this year are more than 150 U.S. retailers in one of the largest, most streamlined efforts to help Soles4Souls provide shoes to individuals worldwide who cannot afford shoes, as well as offer sustainable income for men and women through micro-enterprise opportunities in countries like Haiti. To date, Allen Edmonds and its customers have donated over 15,000 pairs of shoes to the Soles4Souls' mission. Thousands of pairs have already been collected this year, and there is still one week left in the drive.

"This is a convenient and impactful way for people to touch the lives of others across the globe," said Paul Grangaard, President and CEO of Allen Edmonds.  "Our customers were enthusiastic about the Soles4Souls program last year.  We are touched by how deeply people cared, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to expand our involvement with Soles4Souls this year."

Retailers Serve as Local Shoe Depositories
Under the Allen Edmonds effort, Allen Edmonds retail and outlet stores and select Allen Edmonds dealers are collecting shoes donated by customers for shipment to Soles4Souls.  As a thank you, customers receive an immediate $35 discount on a new pair of Allen Edmonds business or casual shoes. 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.

"We're proud that Allen Edmonds remains a committed and enthusiastic partner in our mission to fight the perpetuation of poverty," said Soles4Souls Chief Executive Officer Buddy Teaster.  "The global need for shoes and jobs continues to grow, and we're grateful for corporations like Allen Edmonds and their employees who place such a high priority on giving back, and also provide their customers an opportunity to participate in this bighearted event." 

To execute this promotion online, Allen Edmonds is adopting a pay-it-forward "honor code" concept by having consumers check an honors code box at checkout to apply a $35 discount. Consumers will be asked to donate a pair of gently worn shoes once they receive their shipment. Every shipment of AE shoes will contain an instructional card for the consumer to send back gently worn shoes directly to the Soles4Souls distribution facility.   

Customers can also make a financial donation at www.soles4souls.org. For every dollar donated, Soles4Souls is able to 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 43 Allen Edmonds stores across the United States, and online at www.allenedmonds.com.

About Soles4Souls
Soles4Souls is a global not-for-profit institution dedicated to fighting the devastating impact and perpetuation of poverty. The organization advances its anti-poverty mission by collecting new and used shoes and clothes from individuals, schools, faith-based institutions, civic organizations and corporate partners, then distributing those shoes and clothes both via direct donations to people in need and by provisioning qualified micro-enterprise programs designed to create jobs in poor and disadvantaged communities. Based in Nashville, Tenn., Soles4Souls is committed to the highest standards of operating and governance, and holds a four-star rating with Charity Navigator.  Please visit www.giveshoes.org for more information.

SOURCE Allen Edmonds