Allen Edmonds, The Great American Shoe Company, Partners with Soles4Souls® in National Fundraising Effort to Provide New and 'Gently Worn' Shoes for People in Need for 5th Consecutive Year

20 Million Pairs Donated by the Charity since 2005 in Over 127 Countries

-One Pair Shared Every Seven Seconds-

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Mar 11, 2014, 03:11 ET

20 Million Pairs Donated by the Charity since 2005 in Over 127 Countries

-One Pair Shared Every Seven Seconds-

PR Newswire

PORT WASHINGTON, Wis., March 11, 2014

PORT WASHINGTON, Wis., March 11, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Allen Edmonds, the U.S.-based manufacturer of premium men's footwear and accessories, announced that it will again partner with Soles4Souls® Inc., a not-for-profit social enterprise that advances the fight against poverty through the distribution of shoes and clothing around the world. The two will partner in a national shoe drive through March 16.

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 in need across the world. To date, Allen Edmonds with the help of its loyal customers has donated over 70,000 shoes to the Soles4Souls mission. This year, Allen Edmonds has a goal to collect 12,000 pairs of shoes, a total that would surpass all of the brand's previous goals.

Soles4Souls -- which holds the highest rating from nonprofit watchdog Charity Navigator -- will convert every used pair of shoes collected by Allen Edmonds into a value-added social currency to achieve positive change, both humanitarian and economic. Most of the reusable shoes will be distributed to microenterprise programs that create jobs in Haiti and other poor nations. The resulting revenue will help fund the free distribution of new shoes in the U.S. and overseas. Among its relief programs, the organization has distributed over 50,000 new pairs of shoes to help Philippine victims of Typhoon Haiyan.

"Soles4Souls captivates the hearts and souls of our customers year after year," said Paul Grangaard, President and CEO of Allen Edmonds. "We're continually moved by how deeply people care for this mission, and we're looking forward to amplifying our program's impact this year."

Retailers Serve as Local Shoe Depositories 

Allen Edmonds retail and outlet stores, both physical and online, and select Allen Edmonds dealers are collecting shoes donated by customers for shipment to Soles4Souls. As a thank you, customers receive a $35 Allen Edmonds gift card redeemable in store, online and at participating retailers. 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.

Customers can also donate shoes online at both www.allenedmonds.com and www.soles4souls.org. 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 Corporation is a privately-held, U.S.-based retailer of premium men's footwear, apparel, leather goods and accessories with a focus on American manufacturing. Allen Edmonds' famous Goodyear welted shoes are handcrafted in Port Washington, Wis. using a 212-step production process. Consistent with the company's heritage, Allen Edmonds remains committed to providing excellent products at exceptional value for style and quality conscious men worldwide. By partnering with like-minded U.S. manufacturers, the company's offering includes men's clothing and accessory needs from head to toe. Allen Edmonds products are available at premier stores worldwide, including 47 company-owned Allen Edmonds stores across the United States, and online at AllenEdmonds.com.

About Soles4Souls®

Soles4Souls, Inc. is a nonprofit social enterprise that advances the fight against global poverty by monetizing used shoes and clothing to create sustainable jobs and fund direct relief efforts around the world. The organization collects new and used shoes and clothes from individuals, schools, faith based institutions, civic organizations and corporate partners, then distributes those shoes and clothes both via direct donations to people in need and through qualified micro-enterprise programs designed to create jobs in poor and disadvantaged communities. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, 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.