For many kids, going back to school is filled with anxiety about fitting in, especially for children living in poverty and where new shoes are a luxury some families cannot afford. Nordstrom, in partnership with New Balance and the nonprofit Shoes That Fit along with support of customers, is putting a dent in that anxiety by gifting 25,000 students in need with a pair of new, properly fitting shoes.
From Aug. 6 to Oct. 1, customers can visit any U.S. Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack or Last Chance store to purchase $10 Shoes That Fit giving cards. Each giving card goes toward the gift of one pair of New Balance shoes for a child in need in the local community. Giving cards can be found in Nordstrom shoe and kidswear departments, as well as at Nordstrom Rack checkouts. Customers can also purchase giving cards online through the Shoes That Fit website, ShoesThatFit.org.
“We’re thrilled to continue supporting Shoes That Fit and the life-changing services they provide to children in the communities we serve,” states Scott Meden, chief marketing officer at Nordstrom. “You can’t overstate the impact a new pair of sneakers can have on the lives of these kids. They open up a world of new possibilities where kids are more excited and engaged, both in and out of the classroom. We’re thankful to both our customers and New Balance for helping to make this program possible.”
“It’s remarkable what a pair of new shoes can do for a child and their self-esteem,” says Amy Fass, executive director at Shoes That Fit. “When a child feels comfortable and confident, they’re better prepared to succeed and thrive at school, on the playground and at home. We’re so happy that Nordstrom and their customers are working with us to make that happen this back-to-school season.”
“Shoes That Fit made a tremendous impact on our school and community,” says Melissa Gray, Chicago Public Schools community liaison. “Some of our students don’t have the luxury of new shoes often. They were so excited they immediately put them on, and seeing the joy in their faces was priceless. On behalf of our staff, students, parents and families, we are profoundly grateful for Shoes That Fit and the opportunity they give to students.”
