Now in its 11th year, Nordstrom is once again teaming with nonprofit Shoes That Fit to provide new shoes to kids in need. To date, the partnership has given away more than 240,000 pairs of new, properly fitting shoes to kids in need in local communities where Nordstrom operates.
Why the gift of shoes? Shoes are one of the most expensive items that families need to purchase at the beginning of the school year. Having a good pair is a key part of a child’s success in school and can contribute to higher self-esteem.
“Each fall, our customers and employees look forward to the chance to help students across the country start school on the right foot with a pair of new sneakers,” states Scott Meden, chief marketing officer at Nordstrom. “With many students returning to school for the first time since 2020, we are grateful to play a small part in setting them up for success as they reenter classrooms.”
This year with Nike as the exclusive shoe partner, Nordstrom has committed to helping more than 25,000 kids start the school year right with a pair of brand-new and properly fitting Nike sneakers. “Nike is a long-standing brand partner with Nordstrom,” says Tacey Powers, executive vice president, general merchandise manager, shoes. “We are excited about the opportunity to offer kids these high-quality sneakers to start the school year feeling comfortable, confident and ready to learn.”
Anyone can get involved. From Aug. 16 through Sept. 19, customers can donate to the Shoes That Fit campaign in one of three ways:
• Visit any U.S. Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, Nordstrom Local store, Nordstrom.com or NordstromRack.com to purchase a $10 Shoes That Fit giving card
• Add a donation when they check out at Nordstrom.com
• Make an online, tax-deductible donation at www.shoesthatfit.org/Nordstrom
All giving cards and donations go directly toward Shoes that Fit who will provide new Nikes to kids in need.
At the end of the campaign, the sneakers will be distributed to children at elementary schools with a high percentage of students who qualify for free and reduced lunch programs across the United States. In Chicago, New York and Seattle, Nordstrom employees will also host shoe delivery events at local elementary schools. These events will feature a school bus stuffed with shoes and field day activities. All students will leave with their brand-new Nike sneakers and a gift bag including a pair of socks donated by Nike. In Seattle, Nordstrom has partnered with four-time WNBA Champion Seattle Storm, and students will have the chance to meet one of the point guards, Jordan Brand athlete Jordin Canada, at the delivery event on Sept. 14. The franchise will also contribute by covering the costs of sneakers for the entire fifth grade at a local Seattle school.
