VERO BEACH — The Education Foundation of Indian River County (EF-IRC) is pleased to announce that they have been selected as an official partner of Payless Gives Shoes 4 Kids, an annual giving program from Payless ShoeSource.
The EF-IRC’s grant application was one of 1,000 that were reviewed. Charitable agencies representing all 50 states in the United States, as well as Canada, Puerto Rico, and 11 Latin American countries, were selected as partners of the holiday giving program.
The EF-IRC will be distributing merchandise certificates for children’s shoes through their Sneaker Exchange Program.
The Sneaker Exchange Program serves students enrolled in the school district of Indian River County school system. Students in grades Pre-K through 12th grades are referred by teachers, support staff, and administrators.
The Free and Reduced Lunch Report is used as a means of identifying children in need. There are 56 scheduled exchanges for elementary students from September to May. Secondary students receive vouchers that are redeemable for a new pair of sneakers.
The program keeps economically disadvantaged children on a path of learning by providing them a pair of durable sneakers to participate safely in all school activities, comfortably and proudly.
This is the fifth year of the Payless Gives Shoes 4 Kids program. Although studies show that properly fitting shoes are important for children’s health and development. A striking number of children don’t own a pair of shoes that fit.
For more information about the Sneaker Exchange Program or the many ways the EF-IRC keeps children on a path of learning, please visit www.EdFoundationIRC.org, email to Director@EdFoundationIRC.org, or call (772) 564-0034.