Payless Gives Shoes 4 Kids!

Through the Payless signature grassroots giving program, Payless Gives™ Shoes 4 Kids, $1.2 million in new shoes are donated to children in need through nonprofit partners.

“We want as many children as possible to experience the simple joy of a new pair of shoes. We want them to walk into one of our stores, look up at rows of shoeboxes with big eyes, and point to the pair that makes them smile.”

- LuAnn Via, President and CEO of Payless ShoeSource

In December 2011, S.C First Steps gratefully received 200 shoe coupons from the program and First Steps County Partnership offices distributed these coupons prior to the holiday to the "at-risk" children in their communities.

Orangeburg County First Steps hosted the 2011 Payless Gives Shoes 4Kids Event at the Prince of Orange Mall on Friday, December 16, 2011. Representative Gilda
Cobb-Hunter as well as Board Chair, Rev. Dr. Willie J. Heggins and Board Treasurer, Matthew Henderson attended the event. South Carolina State University Bulldog mascot, "Spike", provided entertainment for the children while parents and local supporters enjoyed coffee and breakfast muffins.  Early morning walkers at the mall made financial contributions and donated socks for the children.

A special thanks goes to the Orangeburg Payless Shoe Source store and employees, as well as, Orangeburg County First Steps supporters and staff for hosting the special morning!

Thank you Payless Shoe Source!

Orangeburg County First Steps - Janiya Legget tries on her new shoes with the help of Store Manager, Ms. Sarah and Early Start Program Coordinator, LaSonya Colter while Mom, Corine Boyd, looks on.

Orangeburg County First Steps - Pictured with Early Start family (Terri, Katelyn, and Wade Bowen) are Jacquelyn Hodges, Program Supervisor and LaSonya Colter, Program Coordinator, Matthew Henderson, First Steps Board Treasurer, Sonia Gass, Executive Director, and Representative Gilda Cobb-Hunter.

Richland County First Steps

Lee County First Steps - JaShawn Wells with mom, LaShanna Johnson

Lee County First Steps

Lee County First Steps - Indionna Atkinson and Zayrion Scott with mom, Tionna Atkinson

Lee County First Steps

Laurens County First Steps

Laurens County First Steps

Thank you Payless Shoe Source!